Ep 8. The Incorrigibles

In Kids Behind Bars: Life or Parole season 2 episode 8, The Incorrigibles, viewers are taken on a journey inside the lives of three juvenile lifers who are in desperate need of rehabilitation. The three kids, all deemed “incorrigible” by the court system, have been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, despite being under the age of 18 at the time of their offenses.

First, viewers are introduced to Mark, a 16-year-old who was sentenced to life in prison after fatally shooting his father. Mark’s case is particularly complex because of his history of abuse from his father and the psychological trauma it has caused. As the story progresses, viewers see how Mark has transformed from an angry and violent teenager to a more controlled and remorseful young man. Despite these changes, however, the legal system is unrelenting, and Mark’s fate ultimately depends on the discretion of a parole board.

Next, viewers meet Luciano, a 17-year-old who was sentenced to life in prison after taking part in a robbery that resulted in the death of an accomplice. Unlike Mark, Luciano’s story is not one of redemption and personal growth. Instead, viewers see how Luciano struggles to come to terms with his own actions and the severe consequences they have had. Through interviews with family members and legal experts, viewers gain insight into the challenges that Luciano faces in attempting to rebuild his life and gain freedom.

Finally, viewers are introduced to Andre, a 16-year-old who was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being part of a group that killed an elderly man during a burglary. While Andre has expressed deep remorse for his actions, his case continues to face legal challenges due to his status as an “incorrigible” offender. In this segment, viewers gain a better understanding of the complex legal and psychological issues at play in Andre’s case, and the stakes involved in the legal battle over his fate.

Throughout the episode, viewers are forced to confront the harsh reality of juvenile life sentences and the system that renders them. Interviews with legal experts, family members, and the offenders themselves illustrate the complexities and contradictions of the current system, and the need for reform. Ultimately, viewers are left with a deep sense of empathy and understanding for the human beings caught up in this flawed system, and a call to action to work toward justice and rehabilitation for all.