NPR

Life Without Parole For 'Felony Murder': Pa. Case Targets Sentencing Law

More than 1,000 people are serving life sentences in Pennsylvania, even though they never intended to kill anyone — 70% of them are Black. A lawsuit calls the concept cruel and unconstitutional.

A first-of-its-kind court case in Pennsylvania is asking a big question: How long do people need to stay in prison before they get a second chance?

More than 1,000 people are serving life without parole in Pennsylvania, even though they never intended to kill anyone. Seventy percent of those people are Black.

I met Tyreem Rivers on the phone in November, when his voice was a little muffled.

"Well, I have two or three masks on," Rivers said with a laugh. "I have at least two masks on, so I'm trying to stay safe."

Staying safe is hard when you're confined with hundreds of other men during a pandemic. Rivers, 43, has spent more than half his life in

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min read
The Louvre Museum Looks To Rehouse The 'Mona Lisa' In Its Own Room — Underground
Louvre Director Laurence des Cars said her institution is looking at upgrading both the visitor experience surrounding the iconic painting as well as the museum overall.
NPR2 min read
Candace Parker, 3-time WNBA And 2-time Olympic Champion, Says 'It's Time' To Retire
After 16 seasons, two Olympic gold medals and three WNBA championships, Candace Parker announced her retirement from professional basketball on Sunday.
NPR5 min read
Iran Women's Protests Are The Focus Of 'Persepolis' Author Marjane Satrapi's New Book
The French Iranian author and artist, best known for her graphic novel Persepolis, edited and contributed to a new graphic anthology titled Woman, Life, Freedom, inspired by Iran's recent protests.

Related Books & Audiobooks