Series synopsis
Kids Behind Bars: Life or Parole is an American documentary crime reality television series that premiered on A&E on April 30, 2019.
The individual stories of previously convicted child offenders sentenced to mandatory life terms, without parole, who are now seeking resentencing on the heels of a recent United States Supreme Court ruling. While some may be resentenced to life, others could be immediately released or given a new sentence that makes them eligible for parole.
Premise
The individual stories of previously convicted child offenders sentenced to mandatory life terms, without parole, who are now seeking resentencing on the heels of a recent United States Supreme Court ruling. While some may be resentenced to life, others could be immediately released or given a new sentence that makes them eligible for parole.
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 19 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 9 | April 30, 2019 | July 2, 2019 |
| Season 2 | 10 | August 26, 2021 | October 14, 2021 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Aaron On January 31, 2011, 14-year-old Aaron shot his neighbor, 14-year-old Alana, in her home in Harlem, Georgia. Aaron was sentenced to life without parole at 15, but now 21-year-old Aaron is appealing his sentence. |
April 30, 2019 |
| 2 |
Curtis On April 10, 1995 in Aurora, Colorado, 15-year-old Curtis was one of four teens involved in the death of Christopher as they attempted to steal his car. Curtis was sentenced to life in prison without parole. After 23 years in jail, Curtis has been granted a resentencing and could soon be released. |
May 7, 2019 |
| 3 |
Preston On March 4, 2010, 17-year-old Preston was one of three teens involved in the murder of Christopher during an attempted robbery in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Along with the other teens, Preston was sentenced to life without parole. Now at the age of 25, he has been granted a resentencing hearing. |
May 14, 2019 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Shelton Shelton Jackson was 17 when he was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of Thomas Maynard, who tragically left behind a week-old baby boy. Now 48, Jackson has been granted a resentencing hearing that could result in his release, something Maynard's widow Leesa vehemently opposes. |
August 26, 2021 |
| 2 |
Dana Dana Barker was only 17 when she killed her former stepmother Brenda in 1994. Back then, the court failed to consider the role of her father Joe in the crime, and the circumstances that led her to murder. Now 44, Dana is fighting for a resentencing hearing, although the state of Oklahoma maintains her case does not qualify for consideration. |
September 2, 2021 |
| 3 |
Deon 17-year-old Deon Haynes was sentenced to life in prison for killing former classmate Christy Davis in her home. Now 47, Deon has been granted a resentencing hearing, but his continued claim of innocence has brought his capacity for rehabilitation into question. |
September 9, 2021 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | A&E |
|---|---|
| First aired | April 30, 2019 |
| Last aired | October 14, 2021 |
| Runtime | 44 minutes |
| Status | continue |
| Schedule | Thursday at 22:00:00 |