Letters to a Lifer: The Boy 'Never to be Released'

Letters to a Lifer provides a rare insight into life without parole (LWOP) for juveniles. A true story from Pennsylvania, it is a compelling tale of faith and redemption. Cindy Sanford tells how a chance correspondence with Ken, a prisoner artist, began to change her entrenched ideas about offenders. It now adds voice to the work of the National Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth.

In summer 1999, America's Most Wanted broadcast the hunt for two teenagers fleeing a double homicide. Twelve years later Cindy was introduced to one of these boys through his remarkable wildlife art. By now a young man, he had spent half his life in prison. Initially wary, Cindy was surprised to find him humble, polite and deeply grateful for her interest. Gradually she and her family were able to look beyond his crime to who he had become.

Despite a hardening of attitudes, Letters to a Lifer shows why the campaign against LWOP sentences for juveniles is gaining momentum. It has a moving Foreword by Illinois public defender Jeanne Bishop whose sister was killed by a minor who, like Ken, received LWOP.