What happened to Alonza Thomas?

On October 11, 2013, Alonza was released from prison. He was 28 years old. Most prisoners don’t serve their full sentences. But because of his suicidal behavior and other mental health problems, Alonza served every year of his time.

What did alonza say to the psychologist right before he was released?

ALONZA THOMAS: I said, “God if you get me out of this, I swear I’ll be good. I swear. You have my word. Get me out of this and I’ll be a good boy.

How many juveniles according to the PBS documentary are in adult jails and prisons in the United States?

Juveniles convicted in adult court, like Alonza, are no longer sent to adult prisons. Still, today there are approximately 6,000 juveniles in adult jails or prisons in the United States.

Why did Alonza Thomas go to jail?

The heartbreaking story depicts the life of a juvenile male, Alonza Thomas, who served thirteen years in prison for armed robbery of a Fast Trip gas station. The story behind this robbery is very interesting.

How old was Alonza Thomas when incarcerated?

If Alonza Thomas were a teen today, he might not have spent 13 years in an adult prison. Thomas was just 15 years old when he held up a convenience store in California. No one was harmed, and Thomas was a first-time offender.

What crime did alonza commit?

There is no debate that Alonza Thomas committed a crime. As a runaway he was bullied into it by an older man who had offered Alonza food and a place to stay. The man gave him a gun, and Alonza robbed a QT gas station in Bakersfield, Calif. He was a 15-year-old high school freshman.

What crime did Alonza Thomas commit?

armed robbery
Thomas committed an armed robbery in 2000 at age 15, shortly after California had tightened its laws against youth. The initiative was part of a wave of harsh new laws passed nationwide, aimed at striking back against an anticipated wave of “superpredators” — remorseless kids committing crimes.

What was the charge for Alonza?

Alonza was charged with three counts of robbery in the second degree — one count for each person in the store at the time, the owner and two clerks — and one count of assault with a firearm. Read the full document. The robbery charges alone would have sent him away for several years.

Why did Alonza serve every year of his time?

But because of his suicidal behavior and other mental health problems, Alonza served every year of his time. People with felony convictions face major challenges to starting over. Their criminal records can bar them from finding a place to stay, accessing some social services and even voting.

How old was Alonza when he was released from prison?

On October 11, 2013, Alonza was released from prison. He was 28 years old. Most prisoners don’t serve their full sentences. But because of his suicidal behavior and other mental health problems, Alonza served every year of his time. People with felony convictions face major challenges to starting over.

What was Alonza’s first run-in with the law?

At 15, Alonza had his first, and only, run-in with the law. Two officers responded to the call. It was early in the evening, not yet 8 p.m. They took Alonza to the hospital to be treated for his injuries and called his mother.