Ep 6. Malcolm
- TV14
- September 23, 2021
- 43 min
In this episode of Kids Behind Bars: Life or Parole season 2, titled Malcolm, we follow the story of a man who has spent nearly his entire life in prison. Malcolm was just 13 years old when he committed a violent crime, and he was sentenced to life without parole. Now, after more than two decades behind bars, Malcolm has a chance at freedom.
The episode begins with Malcolm reflecting on his past. He talks about how he grew up without a father figure and how he fell in with the wrong crowd at a young age. He admits that he made some bad decisions, but he also feels that he was a victim of circumstance. He never intended for anyone to get hurt, but the situation spiraled out of control.
We then hear from Malcolm's family, including his mother and sister. They talk about how difficult it has been for them to visit Malcolm in prison all these years. They have watched him grow from a troubled teenager to a mature adult, and they believe he deserves a second chance. They also acknowledge the pain that the victim's family has gone through and express their condolences.
Next, we hear from Malcolm's lawyer, who explains the legal process that is required to get Malcolm's sentence reduced. She talks about how difficult it is to get a life sentence overturned and how much evidence and support is needed to make a case. She also explains that Malcolm's case is unique because he was a juvenile at the time of his crime.
We then see Malcolm going through the process of trying to get parole. He meets with a parole board to plead his case and answer questions. He talks about how much he has changed since he was a teenager and how he has spent his time in prison trying to better himself. He has completed vocational and educational programs and has been a mentor to other prisoners. He also takes responsibility for his actions and expresses remorse for what he has done.
Throughout the episode, we also hear from victims' advocates and legal experts who have different opinions on whether juvenile offenders like Malcolm should receive reduced sentences. Some argue that a life sentence is too harsh for someone so young and that they should have a chance at redemption. Others argue that certain crimes are so heinous that they warrant a life sentence, regardless of the age of the offender.
The episode ends with the parole board's decision on Malcolm's case. We won't give anything away here, but suffice to say that it is an emotional moment for all involved. Regardless of the outcome, Malcolm's story is a powerful reminder of the consequences of our actions and the importance of rehabilitation in the criminal justice system.