Joe Ligon was convicted so long ago, the polio vaccine was still under development! Harry Truman was president. It was 1953 and he was a teenager – but he was locked up for murder by an unjust system that didn’t take SEVERAL things into account.
Ligon got mixed up with a group of kids who got into trouble that left two people dead – but he got punished for things he didn’t do.
He was given a mandatory life without parole sentence – which has since been ruled unconstitutional!
He was placed in prison for two murders, even though he didn’t kill anyone, and spent SIXTY-EIGHT years behind bars – the longest of any juvenile-life sentence.
He refused to apply for parole or clemency, because he felt he shouldn’t have to after serving so much time. He took another route instead.
Ligon fought to be released without parole, and ultimately got what he wanted. He doesn’t have to worry about the state requiring him to follow any programs or monitoring his movements. This is inspiring for other juvenile-lifers.
Juvenile-lifers like William Garrison died in prison from COVID-19 before being released, so it’s good Joe Ligon made it out alive. This system unjustly punishes youth their whole lives for mistakes made before their brains are fully developed. Joe can move on – but we shouldn’t forget others who can’t.