Prison Victim | National Geographic

TL;DR

Adrien English was wrongfully convicted of murdering his own child, leading to a 20-year prison sentence. In prison, he faced constant attacks, including being labeled a child killer and a snitch. He also experienced sexual assault, leaving him scarred and isolated.

Transcript

english's nightmare in prison began with his crime one involving his own child I had a beautiful baby boy 3 months old I I was going around making phone calls and I was waiting for somebody to call me back and I was playing with my son and I accidentally dropped him and when I did he landed on the back of his head um we had hardwood floors in the h... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Wrongful convictions can lead to severe consequences, both inside and outside of prison.
• 😇 Prison is an unforgiving environment for those convicted of crimes against children, even if they are innocent.
• 💀 Being labeled as a snitch in prison can be life-threatening and result in constant danger and isolation.
• 🍃 Sexual assault is a prevalent but often unspoken issue in prisons, leaving victims scarred and psychologically isolated.
• 🖤 The lack of justice and support systems within the prison system can further contribute to the trauma experienced by inmates.
• 🤦‍♂️ Men who are victims of sexual assault in prison face unique challenges due to societal expectations of masculinity.
• 🍗 The first 24 hours after an assault in prison are particularly difficult, as victims try to process and cope with the trauma.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were the initial charges against Adrien English, and how did they escalate?

Adrien English was initially charged with aggravated battery, but when his son passed away, the charges were upgraded to malice murder, cruelty to children, aggravated assault, and more. The possibility of a capital murder trial loomed over him.

Q: How did English's wrongful conviction affect his experience in prison?

English faced constant verbal attacks and threats from other inmates who knew about his supposed crime against a child. He was labeled a child killer and faced severe backlash.

Q: Why did being labeled a snitch become dangerous for English in prison?

After acquiring a stolen CD player, English was labeled a snitch when the gang member who possessed it was placed in solitary confinement. Being labeled a snitch is considered the worst offense in prison and can lead to violence or even death.

Q: Did the prison investigate the sexual assault experienced by English?

Yes, the prison launched an investigation, but there was not enough evidence to support the charges. This lack of justice and protection further isolated and scarred English.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Adrien English accidentally dropped his baby, causing a skull fracture. His previous criminal record and evidence led to his wrongful conviction for murdering his child.

• In prison, crimes against children are despised, leading to constant verbal attacks and derision from other inmates.

• English also faced threats and violence when labeled a snitch after acquiring a stolen CD player, and he eventually became a victim of sexual assault.