The United States is the only nation in the world where a child can be legally sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. Michael Montgomery is one such survivor of what he calls this “modern-day murder by the system.” Despite multiple Supreme Court rulings deeming this inhumane and racist practice unconstitutional (including retroactively), it remains permitted in 17 states.
In Texas, where the practice has been banned on paper since 2013, Michael Montgomery remains unjustly imprisoned, facing tremendous legal and institutional obstacles in his attempts at appealing his sentence. Michael is one of thousands in Texas who were incarcerated as minors and abandoned by the state, left to their own devices to attempt to appeal their sentences.
“Second Look” legislation, if signed into law, could offer those like Michael a feasible chance at freedom. In “A True Redemption Story: The Second Look Movement,” published October 11 in Minutes Before Six, incarcerated journalist (and good friend of Michael’s) Jeremy Busby writes:
The Second Look Movement derives its name from the term “Second Look,” which is legislation authorizing judges to conduct a sentence review in cases like Michael’s. After an individual who received a lengthy prison sentence as a youth and has served a significant portion of that term, their trial court could conduct a sentence review to determine if it is still in the interest of public safety to keep that individual incarcerated.
Michael, who is now 40 years old and have served 25 years in prison, is hoping that this movement would give him a second opportunity to live as a free person again. After maintaining a good disciplinary record, obtaining his GED, successfully completing multiple chaplaincy courses, and becoming a college student, Michael plans to start a nonprofit to help inner-city youth avoid making the mistake he made.
“It’s basically what I already do here every day,” Michael said. “I want to be able to do it on the front end, before the kid ends up in prison.”
In partnership with the podcast Inmate Tea with A&P, we arranged the opportunity for Michael to share his story. Listen to this powerful episode below:
Sources / To Learn More:
The Sentencing Project Second Look Network
Joshua Rovner, “Juvenile Life Without Parole: An Overview,” The Sentencing Project (April 2023)
Michael needs outside accomplices to help spread his story on public platforms and support his efforts. Please fill out our form if you would like to get connected!
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