AltWeeklies Wire
Freed After 24 Years of False Imprisonment, Darryl Burton Forgives Younew
Burton didn't just survive prison -- he met other innocents there, too, victims of a flawed justice system. Now, he says, it's his calling to do something about it.
The Pitch |
Nadia Pflaum |
09-29-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Superthief: Joshua Paul Calhoun Likes to Take Things ... BIG Thingsnew
Calhoun was already known to law enforcement in rural counties all over East Texas for stealing trucks, horse trailers, tractors and cattle, but the local cops never could keep Calhoun behind bars for long. But now, after stealing a plane in March, he's in federal custody.
Houston Press |
Paul Knight |
09-29-2009 |
Crime & Justice
New Mexico's Laws and GPS Technology Keep Sex Offenders Under Lock and Signalnew
In orbit 13,000 miles above earth, 24 US military satellites with atomic-clock hearts cycle the earth twice a day. The Corrections Department relies on this Big Brother-style satellite technology to track the 80 sex offenders currently under real-time electronic supervision.
Santa Fe Reporter |
Dave Maass |
09-24-2009 |
Crime & Justice
After Mentally Ill Prisoner Dies in Illinois 'Supermax' Prison, Reforms Are Promisednew
As human rights organizations stepped forward to speak for Robert Foor, a 33-year-old who died in June after nearly 11 years in isolation at the Tamms Closed Maximum Security Unit, the Illinois Department of Corrections announced its plans to reform the southern Illinois “supermax” prison.
Illinois Times |
Amanda Robert |
09-24-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Was Roland Carnaby a Con Man or a Super Spook?new
Either way, he wasn't supposed to meet his death on a Houston highway in a high-speed chase with the cops.
Houston Press |
Chris Vogel |
09-22-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Hanging With the Hells: Quebec's Most Notorious Criminals, Observed in Their Southern Habitatnew
I was hoping to escape Montreal's brutal winters but instead found myself sharing a tropical resort with local criminals -- and witnessing their unlikely takedown at the hands of the Dominican Republic's notorious cops.
Montreal Mirror |
Chris Barry |
09-18-2009 |
Crime & Justice
In Miami's Jungle of Condo Towers, 16 People Have Jumped to Their Deathsnew
Some cities have fabled bridges where the hopeless go to end it all. Others have eerie cliffs where bodies plunge into rocky canyons. In Miami-Dade, the suicidal have found their own vehicle for death: posh, shining, and often brand-new condo towers.
Miami New Times |
Natalie O'Neill |
09-14-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Did Vermont State Troopers Go Too Far When They Shot a Paranoid Schizophrenic?new
What really happened the night Joe Fortunati was killed in June 2006 may never be entirely clear. The only first-hand accounts come from the Vermont state police troopers at the scene, nine of whom are now defendants in a federal lawsuit accusing them of using excessive force and covering up key details of the case.
Seven Days |
Andy Bromage |
09-11-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Chaplain Bonnie Polley, Doing God's Work in Jailnew
Although her title is chaplain, a lot of what Polley does is remarkably not so preachy. She spends most days helping inmates and their families with the smaller dignities of jail life -- expediting visits, making phone calls, connecting people with resources.
Las Vegas Weekly |
Stacy J. Willis |
09-10-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Parolees Looking for a Second Chance are Finding it More Difficult Than Evernew
With recidivism rates in the state hovering around 67 percent and the attendant costs of continuing to house prisoners, their success or failure at finding jobs, at re-entering society, becomes more than just a concern for bleeding hearts.
Las Vegas Weekly |
T.R. Witcher |
09-10-2009 |
Crime & Justice
The Hunt for Haleigh Cummings Could Bring Down a Badass Bounty Hunternew
Cobra's work on the case of missing 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings has landed the bounty hunter in a world of trouble. He found himself on the wrong side of a pair of handcuffs and is now facing a felony charge himself.
New Times Broward-Palm Beach |
Lisa Rab |
09-08-2009 |
Crime & Justice
As Virginia Jail Inmates Prepare for Release, Challenges Aboundnew
Of the roughly 4,800 men who are inmates each year at the Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail, 72 go through the eight-week Re-entry program. Who gets tapped is mainly a matter of scheduling, but once on the list, they're given a choice: Take the eight-week course, or lose as much as six months time off they've earned for good behavior.
C-Ville Weekly |
Erika Howsare |
09-02-2009 |
Crime & Justice
He Escaped His Blazing Home Using Scuba Gear; Now He’s Charged with Arsonnew
Shortly before Phoenix Fire Department investigators arrested Michael Marin for allegedly torching his plush Biltmore Estates mansion, he spoke about the fire he says almost stole his life.
Phoenix New Times |
Paul Rubin |
09-01-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Colorado's Budget Shortfall Forces Prison and Parole Reformsnew
The state's $318 million budget shortfall may succeed in accomplishing something that activists have been working to achieve for a decade -- reform in the state's criminal justice system.
Boulder Weekly |
Pamela White |
08-31-2009 |
Crime & Justice
In California, Advocates Push for Reform of Parole Process to Ease Prison Strainnew
California's Board of Parole Hearings grants parole to less than one percent of eligible lifers. Now, as the state's prison system is packed to 200 percent capacity, some are arguing for reform to the parole system that's keeping lifers doing life.
Good Times Santa Cruz |
Curtis Cartier |
08-20-2009 |
Crime & Justice
