In this space, we remember those who were sentenced to juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) and passed away while incarcerated or soon after release. This list emphasizes the length of time incarcerated, thus highlighting the sheer amount of life lost when we cage human beings. We want to remember all those here as people, as much more than the numbers assigned to them or the statistics created using their situations. By memorializing these lives here, we hope to show respect and give dignity to those who were so often not given fair opportunities. The serious health impacts of incarceration should not be understated, whether it be lack of space, access to clean and temperate air, inhumane treatment, or absence of mental health and substance abuse resources. For all these reasons and so many others, we stand by those we have lost and will continue to fight for the lives of all youth serving life sentences.
For all the kids who did not get the chance to live freely, we remember them for how they were in their totality. We remember them for their uniqueness, their positive outlook on life, their hope for the future, and their humanity. We remember them for their mistakes and the serious harm they caused, and we remember them for their kindness and willingness to grow. For all of those children who were incarcerated to life sentences, we hope for a future where individuals like those we remember here are able to come home; a future where, in the short time we have, they can be with their loved ones and flourish freely, experiencing the gift of life in all its forms and complexities.
We would be remiss if we did not stress the many names that are missing from this memorial, including those that had lengthy or life equivalent sentences. It is important for this space to be continually recognizing and appreciating those who were sentenced to life without parole as kids. If you have a loved one who was sentenced to JLWOP and has passed, please let us know if you’d like to include their name in this space.
This page is dedicated to:
Nathan B. (Alabama), served 21 years
Charles P. (Alabama), served 19 years
Jody P. (Alabama), served 40 years
Tommy R. (Alabama), served 27 years
Freddy C. (Arizona), served 25 years
Joshua A. (Arkansas), served 16 years
John L. (Arkansas), served 42 years
Lester S. (Arkansas), served 5 years
Chantell P. (California), served 17 years
Rafael S. (California), served 15 years
Gabrial A. (Colorado), served 22 years
Darryl J. (Federal Prison), served 7 years
Kris B. (Florida), served 25 years
Paul C. (Florida), served 25 years
Michael H. (Florida), served 13 years
James W. (Illinois), served 27 years
Kristina F. (Iowa), served 20 years
George E. (Iowa), served 18 years
John K. (Iowa), served 47 years
Christopher L. (Iowa), served 12 years
Robert W. (Iowa), served 52 years
Wilbert D. (Louisiana)
Eldridge D. (Louisiana)
Carl F. (Louisiana), served 33 years
Russell K. (Louisiana)
Dennis L. (Louisiana)
Lamarcus M. (Louisiana)
Alton R. (Louisiana)
Willie R. (Louisiana), served 52 years
Clyde V. (Louisiana)
Ronald W. (Louisiana), served 36 years
Yul S. (Louisiana)
Jackie C. (Louisiana)
Carolyn H. (Louisiana)
Robert H. (Louisiana), served 47 years
Claude W. (Louisiana), served 37 years
Eric C. (Michigan), served 30 years
Angela M. (Michigan), served 23 years
William G. (Michigan), served 44 years
Roger H. (Michigan), served 38 years
Daniel J. (Michigan), served 23 years
Timothy K. (Michigan), served 40 years
Stephen O. (Michigan), served 27 years
Oliver T. (Michigan), served 63 years
Robert T. (Michigan)
Vince G. (Missouri), served 10 years
Toby V. (Missouri), served 10 years
Deshun W. (Missouri), served 16 years
Patrick R. (Nebraska), served 48 years
Thayer B. (Nevada), served 11 years
Johnny L. (Nevada)
Jerry M. (Oklahoma), served 30 years
Theodore B. (Pennsylvania), served 27 years
John C. (Pennsylvania), served 17 years
William C. (Pennsylvania)
Dale G. (Pennsylvania), served 28 years
Lamont H. (Pennsylvania), served 42 years
Alec K. (Pennsylvania), served 9 years
Fabian L. (Pennsylvania), served 25 years
Freddy M. (Pennsylvania), served 50 years
Shavonne R. (Pennsylvania), served 25 years
Sherri R. (Pennsylvania), served 25 years
Sharon W. (Pennyslvania), served 45 years
AE K. (South Carolina), served 17 years
Melvin W. (South Carolina) served 34 years
John M. (West Virginia), served 40 years
Last updated: 28 March 2023
For those who have lost a family member to youth violence or to the emotional and psychological violence of perpetual punishment, the grief and anguish can be unimaginable, and we hope these resources for bereavement provide you with support:
Tips and Resources for processing grief and loss
United Families & Friends Campaign
5 Steps to Cope with Disenfranchised Grief – when society may not fully validate your grief
