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

Handout for Complicated Grief

United Families & Friends Campaign

Grief Hierarchy

Bereavement

Grief Hotline Resource List

24/7 Grief Hotline

5 Steps to Cope with Disenfranchised Grief –  when society may not fully validate your grief