This Is What It’s Like to Spend Your Life in Prison | NYT Opinion
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2023
- Listening to the men in the short Opinion Video above is like encountering visitors from another planet. They are serving life sentences at Angola prison, in rural Louisiana, with little to no hope for release. Many are elderly; they have not seen the outside world, or their families, for decades.
They do not face execution, but they have been sentenced to death all the same, their lives spooling out endlessly on the cellblock and in the cotton fields, then ending in a prison hospice bed.
The men are among the thousands in Louisiana - and more than 50,000 nationwide - locked up for life without parole. It costs roughly $70,000 a year for each aging inmate, and this film asks whether the best way to spend billions of taxpayer dollars is on vengeance. The point is not to diminish the severity of the crimes that put these men behind bars. As many of them acknowledge, they have been rightly punished for a long time. But, ask yourself as you watch the video, how long is long enough?
That’s a question more and more states are asking. In recent years, a number of states, including Maryland, South Carolina and New Mexico, have debated changing their laws to give those serving lengthy sentences a chance at freedom. Several states have already enacted so-called second-look laws, which permit reconsideration of sentences for inmates who have reached a certain age or been incarcerated for a minimum term or whose sentences no longer serve a valid legislative purpose. At the federal level, the bipartisan U.S. Sentencing Commission in January issued draft guidelines that would give judges more flexibility to consider releasing elderly inmates.
None of us want to be defined solely by the person we were in our youth, or by the worst thing we ever did. The men serving life without parole feel the same way.
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"I was 17 when I got locked up and I am 80 years old now" is probably one of the wildest things I've ever heard.
Word
Yea they need to let him go
fosho they played dude he's done life
it's easy bruh do crime, do time
which one would you rather choose: death sentence or life without parole
AT 80 YEARS AND HE STILL HAS A DREAM TO BE FREE AND START OVER. MAKES ME REALISE HOW MUCH I CAN ARCHIEVE WITH THIS FREEDOM I HAVE.
Please fix your caps lock key.
@@lf2334 TRY AGAIN.
@@ortinsuez2052 are you OK?
@@lf2334 TRY AGAIN!
@@ortinsuez2052 lmaoooo
Sammie's conviction was actually overturned 2 years into his sentence. He spent life in prison because of a prison fight that killed someone. If he hadn't been wrongfully convicted in the first place none of this would have happened. Truly heartbreaking
Wowwwwwwww. You just brought me to tears man🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
How absolutely devastating.
That was the most horrible thing I've ever heard, Ohh my God it makes my skin crawl
imagine being free to go after years but then having to live out the test of your life in prison because something happened (that may have been completely out of his control of even for self defense) that keeps you rotting in prison for the rest of your life. soul shattering 😢
So What Your Saying Is PREMEDITATED MURDER Is OK, If You Are Wrongly Convicted, Bitter and jaded. How About This Perspective. HAD HE NOT COMMITTED MURDER He Would Have been RELEASED When His Sentence Was Overturned. Additionally, WHY Was His sentence Overturned? Not ONE INTERVIEW Mentioned The Fate of Their Victim and Their Families. THAT IS WHAT PRISON OFFICIALS ARE LISTENING FOR. When Your Basic Needs are Being Met, Thats a LOT OF LIFE STRESS Not On Your Shoulders That ARE DEAD WEIGHT Once You Walk Back Out.
My son will be 26 tomorrow and I am so glad I was able to convince him to get an education and stay out of those streets. I am so glad that he listened to me and all the good women and especially men that I placed in his life who were able keep him in a good place in his mind. I am so glad he stayed out of trouble and I am so thankful for everyone who has been there for him and are still looking out for him.
Thank you for being a good mom 🙏 . Greetings from 🇩🇪 . You can be proud of yourself.💪🥇 . Good moms are rare these days.....
Done correctly, it truly DOES take a village!
😂😂 only bums in the streets it’s 2024
That’s where it starts. At home. Great job!
Well done, mom. VERY WELL DONE! As a Black Male Educator, this is one of my MAIN OBJECTIVES.
Much respect to the inmates who are at least trying to make a difference helping others while serving their time.
It’s in there human nature, but what about there character when put into stressfull situation
Indeed
More respect to those who never became inmates.
The time is until death
why not do that when they was young
My brother was murdered I do empathize with some of these men…. But I can never see my brother again, hear his voice, see him with his kids, hug my mom and dad, watch me get old, watch him get old, laugh, love, hug him, tell him how much I loved him, how much I miss him.. fill him in on all the things that have happened since he passed away. By taking our loved ones , we live out a sentence they chose for us. A sentence we had no preparation for, a sentence we had no understanding of… A sentence we must live out
I understand, but as a 17 year old spending 60 years locked up. you can still do some good.
Absolutely,. And they can do its behind bars where they belong. @@kevinsteele7999
@@kevinsteele7999How about thinking about the people that they murdered instead of whining about the monsters?!
@@kevinsteele7999but nothing you can’t become alive again once your dead. These men are lucky to still be alive . They just have to be alive in jail . Oh well
@@kevinsteele7999 Yes, that's what a life sentence without parole, means.
A part of me wants to feel sympathetic towards these men until I realize that most of them have murdered another human being. They’ve not only taken someone’s life but hugely impacted someone’s family, friends, and loved ones. Those people don’t get to tell their story. They no longer get to tell us how they feel and we don’t get to see what they could have been. :(
If there is no happiness or joyful, never have winning season, always absence of hope, never have good days and always have to deal with suffering for the rest of our lives living in prison for life then is it at least little bit okay to commit suicide?
What you missed is that those people no longer exist... who you are at 17 or 18 is not who you are later in life. There is no permanent self.
@@plotinus777 I want you to read what I replied.
@@plotinus777 Is it okay to commit suicide as long we are spending our lives in prison?
You need to adjust your sick thinking. All that matters is that they aren’t that person anymore. You weren’t the same person you were twenty years ago, were you? And spare me the “revenge” spiel. After a few years that stuff is lost on the inmate because, oftentimes, they’ll forgive themselves.
Imagine your whole life sentence being made into a 10 minute film
Locked up at just 17 years old and he’s now 80 WOW!!
Was. Died in 2019.
Good riddance
@@RSKLovei kind of agree the victims are still deceased they can never change or live to see anything where as these folks sometimes change sometimes dont ! Everyone does not end up in prison with life sentences going through childhood !
63 YEARS WOW... my dad is 63
That’s insane…imagine spending your entire life in prison.
My dad was murdered in cold blood 30 yrs ago. One of the guys died behind bars and the other lost his mind. However, if they had been in America and given life without parole. I would never want them to be freed even after 60 years. They got to see their families in prison on visits. I have no memories left of my dad, I was a toddler. No one deserves to come out after that.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad. That is so wrong. No one deserves what your family has been through. 😥
Free them fr
@mawiafn626 not u thinking ur funny
That Part. This is what I'm trying to teach my little son and godson, because I lived that street life and did
a long time in prison.
unless, it was the other way around. Right?
Someone told me” Never shorten your tomorrows for a quick today”!
Exactly my dear, nice one, so true 😢❤
While some may feel sympathy for these men, consideration should be given to the victims and their families. The victims aren't here to tell their stories or to miss their families.
Some of these men showed no mercy to their victims.
Justice for some people means life in prison.
I hope young people see this and understand the reality of prison life, so they'll make better decisions while free.
So you'll stiill be a victim to a crime committed since 1955 in 2024???what's wrong with you people's heart when it comes to forgiveness?
It's easy to say when you're not the family of any of the victims. Yeah, only when it happens to you.
If they had committed those crimes today, with this no bail stuff, they'd probably get reduced sentences.
The youth today are mowing down people left and right, but seems they're hardly brought to justice anymore.
If the crime is permanent ie you killed someone yes you get to sit in a cell for life. I personally oppose a life sentence with no parole before 25 but after that all bets are off. @hopeimoh4208
Found the criminal @@hopeimoh4208
The man talking about his twins shattered my heart.. Locked up at just 17 years old and he’s now 80 WOW!!.
time stops for no man....ever....And the same for the dead....They didn't stand a chance..they's gone!!
N then had to die there😢
These men should have sit downs with young thugs and gangbangers.
yes but if u think only in the dead and not on the live then everyone will be DEAD@@davidwright873
63 years😢😢😢😢😢😢
RIP Sammy! You're free now Brother 💯
The pain of the families impacted by violent crime can't be overstated. I can't say I'd be glad to see someone that stole the life of my loved one get out of prison because "they've changed". They've changed but I'm still living a nightmare and my loved on isn't coming back. I definitely believe in rehabilitation but my heart aches for these families.
If the goal of prison is for punishment why do we not rename the department of corrections to the department of punishments or something else like that. Despite the pain, if I were to have a loved one murdered I would prefer to see the murderer contributing to society and being a reformed man rather than having to look at the same person that hurt my loved one, sitting in prison, taking up air that they did not earn.
@@RedawesomeobyI agree with you. My loved one is dead idgaf how long you’re in jail it won’t bring them back!!! What would matter to me was that the death wasn’t in vain.
people dont chance, dna
There was a 29 year old woman in my county with previous DWIs, she got drunk again and killed 4 teen girls and a guy survived but was seriously injured when she ran the red light. When she was arrested she was concerned for her dog in the car more than who she just hit. It’s unusual but the Judge gave her 15 years back to back for each girl. 60 years, she will be 89 if she serves all of it. She deserves the time. She has been locked up since August 1999 in NC.
And if released, she’ll probably drive drunk again. Society should not take the chance. She can visit her loved ones and exchange letters and gifts 🎁 with them. She can enjoy so much of life behind bars. Especially if she isn’t in a maximum security prison. Her victims and their families and friends are suffering longer than sixty years. And they committed no crime.
@@lookissjaxin Best comment ever!
Was the dog ok?
It’s a very complex situation.
She deserves the time if she will not repent and become a better citizen, like the inmates in this video.
Jail time is not a revenge, the idea is to that inmates learn the lesson.
Their situation is unfortunate but let’s not forget that someone’s existence ended because of the choices these men made
Yes, but since its not life sentences for homicide, across the board. Then you have to consider these guys testament
I agree. What strikes me the most though is how every single one of them mention very frequently how they have changed and become better people which is believable but… practically every one of them failed to mention how horrible they feel having to carry the soul-wrenching guilt of killing a person.
@@vasilisazagurskaya8665 what guilt, they loved the experience of killing, it is a feeling of absolute power and adrenaline, the best high they will ever experience
@@vasilisazagurskaya8665
Wow....they've managed to be model citizens.....in a hyper confined space monitored 24 hours a day by armed guards. Gee, must have taken a great deal of effort.
facts!!!
As tough as this sounds, it doesn't matter if they've "become a better person" or "can contribute to society". They are in prison for life for taking someone elses. You don't get to redeem yourself while their family mourns until they pass on. They are where they belong regardless of change. It wouldn't be fair to the victims family to watch them walk out and LIVE FREELY while their loved one is STILL gone.
What about the people serving life that never killed someone? Thousands of cases
Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis, depending on the peculiar facts of any given case. Most of them can rot in there for all I care, but there are special cases that are worthy of reconsideration. Let's show a little compassion, even if it's the bare minimum.
This is coming from a guy who’s lost his grandma to a young man who killed her a long time ago. I definitely don’t agree with your statement and may not care which is also fine. I often wonder what he would be like today if given a second chance. Yes they took a life yes they did something horrible, but at the end of the day she’s never coming back. I sometimes feel like prison isn’t a punishment but a way out, they don’t have to look at who they hurt they are tucked away never to be judged by society again. The only thing I get out the deal is that I’m going to be taking care of this man until he dies. We often judge people not knowing the options THEY have. I hope the ones that are truly reformed get another chance.
It entirely depends on the case.
@@user-ng5oc6mf9nexactly! I’ve had several family members murdered, and I still wouldn’t wish this on any of the people that killed them.
You take a life you give your life no matter your age.
Is that really justice though?
@@derekmoore3105 it would be more fair that instead of giving life sentences you take how many years you took off of the person killed and subtract that from the years they did, that outta be how many years you get. For example lets say I killed someone at 25, usually the oldest people live is somewhere around 100 years, so imma subtract 25 from 100 and i get 75 years in prison
@@kodeska8784 THIS.... THATS NOT HOW THE LAW WORKS OR SHOULD EVER WORK....
@kodeska8784 That is flawed logic, you're telling me If you killed ten men aged 99 years old you should be locked up for only 10 years? When you have proven to be harmful and dangerous to the society? When you truly commit a murder you prove that you're a very wicked human being who can't control his emotions, most importantly you prove that you can commit such an atrocious act again If let loose, killers should be locked up for life permanently on a diet of bread and water only!
Well in that event I'd say you're better off begging the judge for the death penalty
They gave someone a death sentence but they don't want a life sentence for themselves.
@Pe6ek Yes, the sob story for these vile men is disgusting. They didn't show their victims any mercy and many would get out and keep destroying society.
@creative charmclub. You’re a pest. Never made mistakes before?
@@sammcdonald6183 There are different level of mistakes.
@@sammcdonald6183 Your response defines a true criminal mindset because murdering innocent people is not a mistake. Go away lowlife.
@@sammcdonald6183If it was your brother they killed you’d be loving this video. They are getting a small taste of what they put families through
I'm from a country that has ridiculously short sentences for murderers. If you haven't had a family member murdered and saw the murderer released to enjoy freedom, while whats left of your relative has long been rotting in the ground then it's very easy for you to have a bleeding heart for these guys.
How does wasting another life make up for the loss of the first? In other words, how would lengthening the prison sentence make the situation better? I’m not saying it _wouldn’t_ have that effect, but I’m not clear how or why it would. What is the benefit of longer prison sentences?
@@jpe1 Well, why "waste" any of the murderers time at all then? Would it be better if we spend the money sending them to a nice school and forget about punishment? All the while giving no justice to the victims and their families?
@@jpe1 You're right. They shouldn't get long prison sentences, they should get enough time to appeal and each appeal should be investigated thoroughly. If it's not overturned and the courts are positive, give them the needle.
@@mc1993 here’s a question I don’t have an answer to: should a person accused of a crime like murder be allowed to take their own life if they wish?
@@jpe1 No. Not if they are only accused.
This was absolutely incredible, profound. It really puts time and life into perspective. It gave me chills
“Do we really want to be a country that gives no chance to leave prison?” Yes. The life they stole has no second chance, neither should they.
Amen.
Exactly!
@@nil981 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Exactly 💯
Amen!
This stirs up a lot of conflicting emotions. When you watch the video, you can't help but feel compassion for these faces. But what about the other side? What if next to their photo was a photo of their victim and how old that victim would have been today? It's just all around sad and that's all I really have to say on it.
Yeah because they are people. That’s why you feel compassion. The human emotion you would and should also feel is rage they took a life. But would you rather live in rage and vengeance or with grace and compassion?
@@mr.sushi2221 I would rather live with grace and compassion. But it’s hard. Anger feels more honest in the face of injustice, even though it just leads to more suffering. It’s something I struggle with.
These men did not waste any time in prison. All that time spent was multiple cycles of grief for not only the victim but their family and even their own family, for the life they now can't live cause of what they did when they were 16,17,18 most likely mixed up in the wrong crowd that eventually led to a murder. What happened had happened unfortunately and they already know well enough that their actions had multiple severe consequences. This video is about hearing the dudes out and sets an example of "when you're in for life, you are most definitely in for life" except all of these men never got to live a proper life cause they were TEENAGERS when it happened. They were doomed to the system. Why cant they spend what time they have left off of years stolen by a stupid decision made by their teenage self. Of course they will forever be burdened, no use in rubbing it in.
Or the victims family members speaking about their loved ones and how their life was also forever changed
I don’t feel bad for them 🤷🏻♀️ now when it comes to the victims those are the main people I do have empathy for. It’s a terrible feeling I just don’t even know how families deal with it. Those are the strongest people ever. I wish the dead could tell their side of the story. The inmates could make up a whole bunch of crap that led to the events so that’s why I’m weary of them when they are being interviewed in documentaries
Scariest thing about prison is the amount of people who shouldn’t be there, and the harsh sentencing that some people receive!!! Never understood how someone who sold drugs could get more time than a sexual predator!!! 😢
*THAN
@@truthtorpedo4068 Because that person sold so much drugs that he was directly helping the cartel.
what the heck, what if it was your daughter ot mother that he has buthered and then sorted out her guts along every container in your neighbourhood? Would you still be so eager to release him because he cries and self pitties himself quite conviniently? Or have you just been influenced by the proffesional montage and sad music ?
@@arturkot4108did u reply to the wrong comment or something?
@@noonebutme no, I didn't
For their souls' sake, I hope and pray for each of them. The fact that you regret your actions is commendable, but your victim or victims don't get a second chance.
No thanks. Please don't ever come out. Stay in the prison forever please
Seeing that one man incarcerated since 1953 really did a number on me.
Omg yes, me too! That was so sad! It's why I generally try to avoid watching stuff like this! It's just too painful and upsetting!
What did the guy do? Did he have an unpaid packing ticket? Or did he murder someone? Why don't you show sympathy to the people who deserve it?
@@johnnastrom9400 he killed another inmate!
That's crazy because my grandfather was only 20 years old in 1953 he just turned 90 years old a couple weeks ago. My other grandfather was 17 in 1953 he 85 years old that was long time ago 70 years ago. I noticed a guy from Philadelphia was locked up the same year a couple years ago he got out at 83 years old. He was with a group of people that killed a couple of people but the person he stabbed didn't die but they gave him all that time anyway. I think the city of Philadelphia is paying him back pay I think.
@@traviscarter1023 yeah it's a shame he's not alive anymore because with everything going on in today's world he probably would've gotten out by now.
This really needs to be shown to the youth. Let them know what a "life" sentence really means. Kids need to see Mr. Robinson and be told, "When you're out there, strutting the streets, without a care in the world, just think. This could be you."
Yeah definitely I'll show my boys
I totally agree with you and more should be done by government and schools etc to make sure that children and teenagers totally understand the true meaning, because I have seen first hand how some teenagers have no concept that they will spend the rest of their lives in there, a decision that someone who was 18 years old made 22 years ago after years of neglect and abuse has him serving two life sentences in Angola la, if he had only had the help and education to begin with then it could of been very different for him, but since then he has spent all that time locked up in that place, witness to some very ungodly things that i wouldn't wish upon anyone, fighting each and every day to keep his manhood, seeing others lose theirs forcibly, and being sold by other inmates and seeing other inmates having to do things just to survive, he learned a very harsh lesson from that place and he will most probably die there, among the other men never going home due to bad choices etc, I know that some people might not be capable of second chances but for those who truly have learned their lesson and are willing to be a productive member of society then surely they could be given a second chance, but to just lock up someone with mandatory sentences is not good, surely there's a better way for those who truly deserve it, can anyone honestly say that they are same person that they were at 15,16,17,18 years old now ? Surely there should be some hope of redemption genuinely for those who truly have turned it around ?
Videos like this wouldn't be shown in a world that made sense. Because in that world, these murderers would be six feet under.
@@user-mk1gp2cw7o Fear is an interesting emotion to build off of. It does work but only in the short term. You should provide yours kids with a more positive foundation, one that doesn't erode so quickly over time. If done correctly they wont even want or need to be in these situations. Just my opinion coming from a mom that used this tactic beforehand.
I wish they would have interviewed the families of the victims as well. How do they feel after such a long time?
I'm sure there is room to improve this system. Maybe the inmates themselves could give best advice on how to prevent such crimes.
We are living in a very sad world...
They want you to sympathize with murders not their victims. This is propaganda.
WELL EASIER SAID THAN IT WOULD TAKE MOMENTS OF STEELY GUTS TO BRING BOTH THE PARTIES ACROSS THE SAME ROOM ONE TO
@@MyPrasad1984 Sorry, that I wasn't clear in my comment. I never meant to bring both parties together in the same room. I was simply curious how to know the feelings and thoughts of the victim's families. Interviews certainly
could be done separately.
I think this is a very good video! For me it would have been better if they showed both sides.
@@MyPrasad1984 you on drugs or something dude ?😂😂😂😂nobody said that
@@MyPrasad1984no one said that you just mad
I did 13 years in prison and lifers are some of the most down to earth people
If you dont mind me asking, what made you serve 13 years?
@@gulmanrahat6559 cocaine
Wow man 13 years is rough. Jesus. Do you feel you deserved it? Or was it unnecessarily cruel.? :(
@@northofthestar388 no I didn’t deserve all that! I did deserve help and a mentor but nothing unfortunately
I think it's because they have nothing to lose anymore
Actions have consequences
The hospice work is the best rehabilitation program out there. Helping others makes you a better person.
They're only doing it because they have life. No way they'd do it if they were free. No sympathy for these goofs.
@@lostcub8572 Why do our tax dollars have to pay for hospice care?
@@Pavia1525 who knows my friend. Who knows.
wow..@@lostcub8572
@@Pavia1525 this whole comment section is heartless... are you americans really all that heartless? People. change. Everyone deserves a second chance. Even murderers who repent.
- Kind regards from Europe, with a much , much , much lower murder and incarceration rate.
Sammies thought on walking free from prison and starting all over again at life is really heartbreaking cause deep inside his heart he knows it’s impossible but just a thought about it is so comforting and beautiful that it gives him peace and happiness for a short moment. RIP..😢
Long live takeoff
who?@@DrunkenVtec
@@thehamilton5678don’t be funny
He’s apart of the known rap group migos
@@Emalye.Saeeeeeeeeenah not everyone knows who that fool is. He died. So what
@@DrunkenVtecbut he's not alive. Pushin up daisy's instead
There are something worst than death.
The real solution to this issue is not to let all the murderers loose. - It’s about keeping the nuclear family together, educating all children, reducing teen pregnancies and providing good jobs for men.
it's about a life for a life. regardless of being remorseful and seems a better person, taking a life is very serious. that life is gone and their family has to continue without them; their grief will never go away because of one bad decision.
Exactly, they didn't give the person they killed any chance so why should they get a chance? I say bs.
Even Cain in the bible received mercy after he murdered his brother. I'm not saying all these men should be released, just sharing a different perspective.
@@mary_puffinCain got a punishment that lasted the rest of his life. You should read up on that again.
@@YungSpaceship I was speaking on the mercy part. David caused someone's death and didn't even face prison. A myriad of examples from the bible. All I'm saying is that mercy and justice are both virtuous things to practice.
@@mary_puffin mercy is not justice and will encourage vigilantism
The saddest part is them knowing that change was possible the entire time. It’s just they decided to change too late.
...some people couldn't thrive through adversity. There are some sad stories out there. Forgiveness and compassion aren't guaranteed but should be humbly received when offered 💯
Norway has the lowest recidivism rates in the world and the focus is on rehabilitation. We have something to learn from them
Norway doesn't have the extreme violence we have in this country of over 360 million.
@@tnewsome9121Well said. These people comparing countries with a few millions in them to America with over 300 million have NO clue.
but they dont have ghetto areas with ghetto people who mostly know violence. They go to work not smash and grab or sell drugs and rob people for a living! i know because i lived in Europe!
@@tnewsome9121 you would not have the level of violence if you had followed Norway way of doing a lot of things. If Norway was run the same way as USA is, we would be a destroyed country as well.
@@eliteguard225the ones not having a clue, is you. Size got nothing to do with it. It is the way the country is run, that is important. According to your logic, India, which has roughly 3 times the US population. Should be a complete madhouse of violence. And it is not.
*GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU GENTLEMEN*
I have a deep empathy for these guys. Especially the guys who made a profoundly terrible choice when they were essentially just kids. But my empathy is far deeper for the lives they took and the families they shattered. There’s really no win in any of this. May God have mercy on their souls.
OK criminal
Sort of missed the point of the video didn’t you? Consider what the one inmate said “it’s not about what you’ve done but what you’ve become”. You seem to be a God fearing man (I’m not) so where’s your compassion for all men?
get real pls
@@KM-hk8tcwell the people they murdered will never become anything because of what they did because they are gone forever
@@KM-hk8tc No, I'm sorry, but it IS about what you've done. That's all it's about. I don't care if you become the Pope. You're a murderer and you belong in prison for the rest of your life. I'm not falling for this crybaby liberal criminal loving crap.
At 16 yrs old I knew I could do life for murder. I had lots of enemies at 16. I killed none of them because I knew the consequences. Whether I changed or not, the victim is still the victim.
Well thank god you're not a judge
im sure now at ur old age u look back and regret choices u made when u were a teen
@@jaybob324 there would be less repeat offenders if I was
Unfortunately the facts doesn't support this statement....data says otherwise@@user-bf8um5oj9q
Good for you. Too bad you don’t represent everyone’s brain
For some of these guys, getting out might be the worst thing to happen to them. Realistically, who was gonna be there to see after Sammie, if he had happened to get out? And, being as there's a housing shortage for all the rest of us, who HAVEN'T been to prison, homeless folks up & down the street of every city, what's the odds that he'd have, at some point, had to resort to crime, just to survive out here?
Once you've removed/taken away their ability to survive out here, it's almost cruelty to "release 'em back into the wild".
From 17 to 80 I can't even gather my thoughts to think about it.
I can just imagine some of the things this man has seen.
I know he has stories forever.
That doesn't make sense. The whole concept of being locked away for life means forfeiting all your freedom and being denied life experiences.
Being in prison for decades you'd probably face monotony and boredom like you can't even magine. That's not the same thing as having "stories".
When you take another person's life it's fair that you forfeit yours. I have no sympathy for anyone who takes another person's life.
Everyone he knew on the outside is dead now. 😢
To all men whom are doing life 😊it's not about what you want its about what god wants
If the prisoners can bring back the person they killed then they can be released. A life for a life. This film should be showed to young men so they will see what their actions will do
...Even for the ones that had abortions just because.."A life for a life" RIGHT....ijs
Pretty simplistic comment and way of thinking. Eye for an eye is all you know?
1:17 - 1:31 - "He was the thug on the street, 24 / 25 years ago, and we're angry at that person, not realising that that person no longer exists; actually hasn't existed for like over 20 years". That statement absolutely blew my mind. What incredible words of wisdom and insight. I've heard some profound statements before, but nothing as wise as this for such a long time. What he said is thought changing.
And yet he does no mention of regret over killing or of carrying the guilt of so. Only sorry words for himself. That person he killed hasn't existed since 20 something years ago, either.
@@eliteguard225
Powerful comment by you.
I feel a lot of empathy for these men because it does seem they feel deep remorse and have grown into different people than they were when they committed their crimes. But I also feel deep empathy for the people whose lives were taken from them and believe they deserve justice. it is a lose-lose
That's right! No second chance. They need to stay
These are interviews that young men and women should hear. Sadly, those who worship the thug life would still continue their progress into life sentences.
Emmett Tills murderers NEVER went to prison! The Till family was just one of many thousands that never received justice or saw those who had killed their family members do any time in jail, and in most cases never made it to court. In this country some serve lifetimes and some never see a courtroom.
10000 percent right, white privilege, I'm from the UK and not black and I agree.
We're trying to decide if lifetakers should be given back their lives if they become better people. Where does Emmett Till's legacy apply?
What does Emmet Till have to do with these awful people.
@@tymac9127 They say that because Emmet was brutally murder but never got his rightful justice and we all knew who did the crime but they didn't even put them away for a day. At only 14 he was beaten, shot in the head, had a large metal fan tied to his neck with barbed wire, and was thrown into the Tallahatchie River. The men who did it had what they did published into a magazine but was NEVER convicted guilty . I might be wrong but the point is these men have been in jail since teen but the adults whom committed the same act wont ever be arrested. Honestly what these people did was awful but that doesn't make them awful people we all make mistake even if that is not the mistake of taking someone life we all have done bad . life for a 17 year old but freedom for roy bryant and his accomplices. The legal system is sad.
@@Barr994 You seem to be arguing in favor of double jeopardy. That's a very dangerous argument to make, and would come back to haunt you as endless public resources would be spent on trying and re-trying people the court of public opinion "knew" were guilty.
“Even though I have a life sentence I prepare as if I’m going home tomorrow because who knows what may happen” They youth need to hear that. We all need to take heed to that. Stay prepared regardless🙏🏿👊🏿
The youth need to hear from people who are not commenting crimes.
I am going to show this to my students.
They should get a second chance at life… as long as their victims do too
Most of these men murdered someone. That can never be reversed. Life for the family and friends have changed FOREVER. It will never be the same. Why should their life be the same as before their crime? If they were adults.. they knew..
They werent adults, some were 17. And with your logic, every homicide has someone in jail for life, and thats not true. They have an argument, theres no lesson if the punishment is death
@@mikeyy425 Exactly for example Charlene Gallego she murdered and r***d 10 woman with her husband and only got 16 years while these men have done one crime and their whole life was taken from them, this isn't to defend their actions but to point out that we are still trying to punish these 16 and 17 year old for these crimes decades later while we haven't even correctly sentenced the true monsters.
you might say that a 17 year old can be tried as an adult, but is some cases even 15-16 year old are serving life sentences. you definitely don't have same control as an adult when you are 15
@@neerajnongmaithem392 15 year olds are accountable to know that murder is not okay
@@mikeyy425 the lesson is for all the people who have not committed murder yet, but will rethink their choices if they know that moving ahead with an act of murder will result in a life sentence
god bless these men & may your soul finally rest in peace mr sammy . i hope each one of these men future make a turn for the greater
"I dont have the opportunity to help society, b/c I have a life sentence w/o parole". NO, you dont have an opportunity b/c you heinously killed someone
A lot of people have killed but are walking free
@@BezoomyKoshka-ip4dz two wrongs dont make a right.
@@arkan5000 no thats not what i meant. I mean, a lot of people who commit crime don't get caught some do. The people who get caught lose out on opportunities whereas the ones who never get caught can do whatever
My ex is in jail right now for attempted murder of his girlfriend. He's looking at 20 to 40 years. I hope he gets the full 40. He had gone to prison before for attacking me but he only served 18 months. Prison didn't change him, it made him worse. So honestly, every situation is different. If it was up to me, my ex should be in jail for life. I guess he was lucky his girlfriend actually survived but I'm sure the trauma will stay forever of course. My attack occured more than 7 years ago but I still have severe trust issues. I have zero friendships and barely a support system. I only feel sorry for the innocently jailed or those serving ridiculously long sentences for something like marrijuana.
He'll do about 3 years and come out on probation
He needs to do 30 years with no parole.
Yes ma’am! Your feelings are valid. I agree with you 100%
How much money could be saved by releasing these prisoners should never be part of the discussion.
It definitely should specially when keeping these men behind bars costs north of 70K dollars anually per individual to the tax payers. I certainly see the point of keeping violent, irredeemable criminals locked in prison "forever" but what benefit does society gain from incarcerating a 80-year old man since 1953 that can't harm a fly even if he wanted to? After all, isn't the rehabilitation of these people the main point of the whole concept of prisons?
@@RogerioPereiradaSilva77 Say they just throw them out, then what? Leave them to die at the sidewalk beside the prison because they either have no families left, or nobody wants to be associated with them? Okay maybe we throw them out when they can still provide to society; nobody wants them because they have criminal record, too old, etc. They then have to resort to crime.
There are a significant population of homeless people that are ex-criminals that were released after parole. Maybe have some critical thinking and realize no decision are good, but they have to keep them because they were sentenced to life with no chance of parole for a very good and specific reason. Life with no chance of parole is only reserved for the most heinous of crime either due to sheer gruesomeness or body count.
@@RogerioPereiradaSilva77 rehab? it's for profit
Death penalty could save that money.
@@RogerioPereiradaSilva77a 72 year old judge was just arrested for killing his wife.....
They are absolutely where they need to be ! Just ask their victims and their victims families.
So you believe a teen's brain is fully developed?
Developed enough to know murder is wrong. Most other teens know that why don’t they?
Dang! Makes you really appreciate and value the principles and the guidance your parents/Guardians/ or authority figured tried to teach you.
The man who mentioned that prison does not make a person responsible is absolutely right. I have seen so many people come out of prison who are about the same age mentally that they were when the went in. I think this also contributes to recidivism.
There are really some people that are just no good, and need to stay there. But most people can change over time, and deserve a shot at redemption. It also seems ridiculous to keep the elderly locked up; like what are they gonna do to hurt someone on the outside? It’s hard to think of a fair system to decide who’s allowed out, but certainly the current system that throws away people forever ( and most of them didn’t get a fair shot at life to begin with) is not right.
@@BGeezy4sheezy Very true.
There are millions of Americans who are born, live and have to adapt and survive in harsh, socio-political, economic circumstances but don't turn to crime, or become hardened criminals, rob grocery stores, supermarkets, banks or sell drugs to make ends meet.
Your argument is a tired, old cliched one that tries to make excuses for people who commit horrible crimes like murder almost predestined because of their lower-income class status. You might reply and say your argument is more of "an explanation", but even there its falls flat because most working-class Americans don't become hard-core, high recidivist criminals.
Its an insult to many millions of more Americans who do it the right way and succeed to some extent but don't commit serious crimes or even misdemeanors.
It's ironic but once many anti-death penalty activists said they supported life in prison as opposed to the death penalty, now their " soft hearts" want to allow 1st degree murderers, some of whom are unrepentant and have little to no remorse but put on a good show for useful idiots like you to think they've changed, and get released. Some of them know how to manipulate you so well because they see you as gullible marks, playing on your high-minded ideals and principles of fairness, rehabilitation, and restorative justice.
You argue most people can change and yes, human beings do change over the course of our lives, but not as rapidly, or progressively as liberal prison reformers would like to think, and sometimes human beings change for the worst. This isn't some linear progressive model reform pattern of behavior necessarily. And one thing I know having a Bachelor's in Psychology is that sociopaths, maligant narcissicists have no remorse, empathy, and sympathy for their crimes and they believe their the ultimate victims of an "unjust society". You can't change or reform a sociopath, psychopath or a serial narcissicist and often it's not so easy to determine who and where they are because their experts at being good actors, fervently telling you and others everything they think you want to hear and sadly, some of you will fall for it.
All because your principles and convictions were unknowingly twisted and manipulated.
Hindsight is 20/20. Everyone knows right from wrong. Having said that, I would respect the ones that better themselves and society…these are likely the only ones who really regret what they did. At the same time, having the victim’s family’s support makes an even greater difference.
The only difference to me is having the victims support and that victim will never speak again, which says volumes.
It is remarkable the degree in which these men have sought meaning in their lives and changed from the inside out. What would prison do without them? One thing for sure, these men could do so much good as mentors to those in the community at risk outside of prison. It saddens me. If they don't get out, they have made a difference and done God's work.
Let that man out. 80years old . Let him live
Parents - if you don't train and discipline your children, someone else will. His teacher. His principle. The policeman. The judge. Finally, the prison guard.
All you really gotta do is be a black man
@@tianachet713BS. So many Black men free that are doing the right thing
Well said.
I'm a single dad and i know that you have to talk with your children way more than discipline them.
@@thetruthhurts131 so many more that aren't free
While I have no doubt that they are changed people, prison isn't just about rehabilitation, it's about punishment. This wasn't some minor "mistake." They look the lives of someone who had friends and family who loved them.
Totally agree
Tears in my eyes
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
Screw them. When you take someone's life, you forfeit your own. The great injustice here is that they are still alive, and the families of those they murdered have to pay to keep them alive.
I'm absolutely not the same person i was when I was 17 however I managed to get through it without stealing, pillaging, destroying or killing someone. I understand ALL the socioeconomic factors that cause people to do the things they do but still, actions have consequences.
Well this saddens me 😢.. but we know that the ones who committed murders are supposed to pay the price.. right?
Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.
Unfornutely for people who serve long term sentences even if they do get out theyll most likely have an even harder time outside of prison trying to look for a job and a place to live. Unless theyre fully exonerated their life outside of prison will be a tough one.
Nope 👎🏽 Stay Right Where You Are And Do The Good Work You Are Doing ❤ We Are Happy For You That You Have Changed 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Yep!
😂😂😂 exactly! I feel empathy for these men, however, the family of the victims are living in eternal prisons every day they are without their loved one
you feel that way until its ur son, father, uncle, etc.
they took someone's son, father uncle etc @@frmmyheart2urs880
Yes exactly, I agree. They don’t need to be out here.
Doesn’t eliminate the crime. Life sentences are for murder or worse. You may change, but your victim isn’t around to forgive you. Life means life.
Locked up since 1953 now that's ridiculous. If he every get out he would be going through PTSD from being cage up for so long.
They can whine all they want about spending a life behind bars, but taking someone else's life has consequences. It doesn't matter how young you were or if you have changed. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
But those consequences should come from God not another human being like a judge who is also a sinner potentially crooked or cheating on their spouse or had done wrong in youthful years but never was caught
We has drop at murder but no sin is greater than the other
@@diamondbedell1461Here on earth we make the laws and consequences not God.God was nowhere in sight when these people were being murdered.
I believe in God but what do you say to millions of Americans who are athiests, agnostics, or anti-thiests who might find your arguments here morally subjective, self-righteous, and claiming that an all-powerful, omniaware, omnipresent, omniconscience God is the sole arbiter of vengeance is one they don't believe in.
I see things from their perspective but I also see things from the perspective of the family of the life that they took. Tough call.
Even when a family doesn't want the convicted person to be given a sentence like this or put on death row, the family doesn't have a choice. Stuff like the death penalty have also been shown to not reduce crime. Long, cruel punishments like this don't usually help. What helps is rehabilitation. Many of the prisons are for-profit prisons run by capitalistic desires to make money off of people's suffering. And when you can make money by imprisoning people, that means there's an incentive to imprison as many people as possible. It's not a coincidence that most of the people imprisoned are people of color, people with disabilities like mental illnesses, and people who were living in poverty. These groups are not given help and compassion outside of prison and instead are screwed over by the societal systems we have in place, so that leads to more oppressed people being locked up. This video mentioned that 70% of the prisoners they were talking about are black. There's something wrong when populations that are way smaller than populations with privilege somehow magically make up most of the people in prison. There's also the fact that so many people in prison have not done crimes as bad as murder, yet those people are also given this same treatment. A prison system built on punishment instead of rehabilitation harms society far more.
Yes, but what does the family get by having them locked although they're no longer a threat to society? Revenge?
@@pabloassante5360 I don’t know, you don’t know, we can’t possibly imagine what it’s like to go trough something like that… we can simply guess
@@pabloassante5360 Unfortunately our society still seems to see revenge as a valid reason for punishment
The family of the murder victim of the 80 year old man are probably dead?
They should probably include the families in reviews for release. Louisiana is a pretty Christian state. I have a feeling more than half the families affected by these prisoners would be ok with their release.
Now.... lets hear from the mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters of the people these guys killed. People that will never, ever live a day again. People who died extremely violently at the hands of these people who want a second chance at life...but gave their victims no chance.
What I say? Leave it up to the families of the victims. If the person has served more than 20-25 years, has shown in every way, shape and form that theyve totally changed.... the final decision is made by the closest adult living relative of the person they killed. If they want to show mercy, fine. If they dont, in prison you stay. Thats more of a chance than the victim got.
I needed to see this video thanks for sharing this message
Maybe next the NYT can do an expose on what it feels like to have your loved one viciously murdered. Maybe they can approach the family 40 years later and see if the loved one is still dead or if they matured, and if the family still misses them. Maybe research what goals the murdered person had for their life. Maybe ask the family if justice has been served. And one more little thing. While interviewing the spouse of the deceased, play some mournful cello music.
I believe in forgiveness and second chances. And seeing this is heartbreaking
You are probably one of the only ones in this comment section. What I find strange is that the US is obsessed with religion, God and Jesus whilst they do not seem to understand what Jesus was teaching us.
No pity for criminals. I have no problems paying taxes to keep criminals in prison
Following through immediately on death sentences would be a better solution.
I just listened to Bonnie Raitt's "Down the Hall."
It captured the Prison Hospice very beautifully.
Locked up since 1953. That one broke me. I’m all for the justice system BUT at some point we have to check on some of these Lifer’s and see if they’ve made progress, see what strides they’ve made in the last 25/30 years.
I’m only 30 and I’m not even the same person I was 4 years ago. Imagine 66 years.
If they can bring back the dead yea why not
That was heartbreaking. At 80 something years old and after spending 66 years in prison, what are we accomplishing really? it's not about rehabilitation or penalizing at this point, this is just about getting revenge.
This should be required viewing for every citizen of this country. We are causing so much pain.
@@LadieKatie this outlook often brings nought but cyclical offense and misunderstanding.
No, these men caused the pain, all old enough to know right from wrong.
Why don't you try thinking about the people that these pukes murdered? Think about that BB brain.
The old man I want to cry for so bad. His eye are what broke my heart, you still see that 17 yr old boy. So much to love to him, he finally gets to be with his family ♥️🥹🥲
As crazy as it is for me to say this. The men locked up may actually have it better in prison than they would out here in society. They don't wanna be out here dealing with all this inflation, high rent, Homelessnesss, etc. They come out with no money... That's actually more cruel than prison itself. And Louisiana isn't really known for economic opportunities. They'll probably be better off staying in there. They would get released and within two weeks be like..."society overrated...lemme go on back in prison".
Okay
It's not about punishment, it's about justice: if you took someone's life, regardless of how stupid or different you were at that time, you shouldn't have a life outside with us. I wish my country would implement this as well.
It's relative isn't it? Some may have changed but some should never be released. The ones who went in as teens, are ones that deserve the option of parole at least
Any prisoner in the united states can argue that their punishment is too harsh, parole is too subjectibr
If the crime was murder, they don't deserve freedom. The victim will never get a second, third, fourth or fifth chance.
Except the parkland shooter ..
@@user-bf8um5oj9qwe understand that the victim will never get a second chance but they deserve a second chance.
@@angelinedeslandes2129 The victim deserves a 2nd chance yes. Too bad they will never get it.
66 years in prison, man thats too long. thats why i try by all means to live a good life, have a positive impact on my kids and stay out of trouble. quit alcohol also. im good and safe , stay out of the streets, no friends anymore. my family is my all
Amen.
This is so hard to watch. Wtf how can someone spend life in prison with no parole. Common America 🇺🇸 this is painful & heartbreaking.
Yes. It is. But not as heartbreaking as their victims stories ! What is wrong with you ?
The people they killed also lost their entire lives ! Its not so simple !
This is such a great story - thank you. And yes my mother was murdered by two (18 & 17) boys - whom I hope after 20 years do change. They are in Texas prison for capital murder - minimum 40 years. They did try to appeal their sentences which they plead to. Sometimes I see really heinous stories and understand use of death penalty - but when I tried to live with hate in my heart - it only sickened me to the point I couldn't and didn't want to keep that kind of hate in my heart. I hope these men are given some consideration for freedom. As it is Our system does not work. But redemption is possible.
Jeez, that's absolutely awful. My condolences. If you don't mind sharing, was it some robbery gone wrong? Why did they target your mom?
Why do they call these places Correctional Facilities? Correct people, mentally, psychologically, emotionally, and educationally, so people can make amends for what they have done. IJS
Unless they are still a threat to society. And, let's be honest, statistically, reoffending is real.
my condolences to your mom I hope those two individuals never see the light of day again
Would you support your mothers murderers getting released?
For Sammie dying in prison was the most compassionate alternative. He was 89 years old, let him out at that age is cruelty and inhumane. He was old and i bet needed a lot of care and dying among those who he knew was better than letting him out to fend for himself.
So they took someone's life and ended everything that person was to their family and friends FOREVER, now they want sympathy? Get out of here. Actions have consequences.
It's a tough question. I do believe people can change while incarcerated. There are probably thousands and thousands of people who are free to roam around in society and cause destruction in the silent, who should be locked up for good. And on the other side, people locked up who are wrongfully convicted, or in prison for something that happened in the heat of the moment, with no mental disorders, or other major causes behind it, that genuinely have changed and would make productive members of society today. But then they have been sentenced. It's tough.
The man talking about his twins shattered my heart.
Same. devastating.
Same. I hope his children can see the pain in his face and how much he loves them.
He only shattered your heart because he is white, you didn't feel any empathy for the old guy who served 66 years behind bars and ultimately died in prison and was buried there too 🤨.
He made his choice, now suffer the consequences!!!!
He didnt think about his twins while he was doing the crime. Alligator tears.
This is deep, exactly why I think fast on keeping my temper at bay .
66 years in prison...sounds like a true lifetime to me.
It’s hard to feel bad for them. The reason that they are in prison is because they denied someone else the right to their life. When you end someone’s life, you’ve ended your own. That’s how it should be. Their victims had hopes, dreams, plans and families. These men can beg the court system for mercy, but how many of their victims begged for mercy? Did the inmates provide the mercy to their victims that they now want? I hate to see another human suffer, however, there are two sides to these stories.
The New York Times really lacking in constructive & useful content these days....
Not hard for everyone
I watch alot of true crime docos and think the killers are pure evil and should never be set free. But seeing things from this perspective really breaks my heart. What a fantastic video, i hope to see more of their stories
That's a beautiful sentiment to hear. Life is complicated 😪 Many countries in Europe have an upper limit of 30 years. Not everyone does it like we do. We have a particularly cruel system. Even before they are arrested. Not to many kids from the Upper Middle Class Suburbs in these jails. 70% in for Life are Black and 25% if White men without a high school diploma will be arrested at some point un their lives. Only in America. ❤
Those documentaries show the must cunning/evil criminals. So of course you feel hate. These men in the video were teenagers when they killed. Probably over dumbshit.
Funny how they play sad music and have the inmates tell you a sob story can manipulate you, huh?