Case Study 3: Preparing for Prisoner Reentry
Liberty University
CJUS 322 B01
Introduction
Prisoner Marie is a 55 year-old unknown race female who is currently serving a 20 years-
to-life sentence after the conviction of murdering her two small children ages two and
four in effort to maintain her relationship with her then live-in boyfriend. Marie has
served a total of 30 years of her 20 years-to-life sentence that she received when
convicted and is currently being considered for parole. Prisoners generally become
eligible for release upon completion of their mini mum sentence (Alarid, 2017). This case
study will evaluate the prisoner’s reentry assesment, conduct while incarcerated, victim
and community impact, as well as a release plan if the offender is granted parole.
Reentry Assesment
Based on information gathered on Marie and after completing Ohio Risk Assessment
System-Reentry Tool (ORAS-RT), Marie’s domain levels for each category show her to
have a low failure rate if granted parole. Issues for female parolees included finding
stable housing, finding a job that their parole officer would approve of, resuming the
mother role and reconnecting with their dependent children (Alarid, 2017). While in
custody prisoner Marie has been able to establish a place of employment with the Prison
Ministries in her hometown along with a place to stay by her possible employers if she is
released on parole. Due to the fact that the prisoner murdered her two children she will
not be adjusting to reconnecting with her children or resuming the role of mother and it is
unclear what her family ties are and if she will have family support if she is released from
custody. In a study on criminal recidivism of 132 violent female offenders, of whom 84
had committed a (child) homicide, found that 23% had committed repeat offences, 15%
of which were violent crimes. Those who re-offended typically committed repeat
offenses early in the follow-up period, which included offenses while in prison (Liem,
2013). The bible tells us, “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united
with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any
tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having
the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition
or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your
own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one
another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not
consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made
himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness”
(Philippians 2:1-7, NIV). Based on information provided about prisoner Marie it clear
that she has support in her hometown.
Offender Conduct
While in custody prisoner Marie has been able maintained a near-perfect record during
the last 30 years. Reports from prison authorities show that Marie’s behavior while in
custody how her to be what is considered to be a model inmate. Prisoner Marie has
received counseling from the prison’s Chaplain for many years and according to the
Chaplain, Marie has been “born again” and has been “forgiven” for her crimes and sins.
What the bible tells us about being forgiven for our sins is “For if you forgive other
people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if
you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins”(Matthew
6:14-15, NIV). During the time that prisoner Marie has been in custody she has worked
as the chaplain’s assistant and is well thought of not only fellow inmates but also by
prison officials at the institution she is incarcerated at. The fact that Marie has chosen to
seek counseling and has rebuilt her relationship with Christ shows she is taking positive
steps while in custody.
Victim Impact
The bible teaches us “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s
wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[a] says the Lord” (Romans
12:19, NIV). Prisoner Marie reports that she has great remorse for the murder of her two
and four year old children. She has taken many steps to turn her life over to Christ.
Marie’s crime not only affected her children but also the children’s father as well as both
sides of their family. Marie’s primary logic behind taken her children’s life was to
maintain what, based on information provided, was an unhealthy relationship with her
then live-in boyfriend. Rather than seek other options, Marie chose to end her chose to
end her own children life because her boyfriend would not stay with her as long as she
had children. The bible tells us clearly, “you have heard that it was said to the people
long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment’”
(Matthew 5:21, NIV). Regardless of the circumstances as to why Marie did not chose
another option than ending her children life during her 30 years in prison she is
remorseful of her actions. 1 John 1:9 in the New International Version states “If we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness”. Marie will face many obstacles including possible isolation and lack of
support from former family and friends due to the fact she will be returning to her
hometown.
Community Impact
“Finding legitimate employment upon release from prison is an important, yet daunting,
aspect of offender reentry” (Atkin & Armstrong, 2013). Prisoner Marie appears to have a
support system pre-established in her hometown if she is released on parole. Marie has
already secured employment as well as a place to reside. If Marie is released on parole,
there will be a strict reentry plan in place for which will include but will not be limited to
her maintain employment the is approved by her parole officer, limited contact with
children, she must maintain an approved residence, approved biweekly counseling,
community service hours outside of her work at the Prison Ministry, and monthly
meetings with her parole officer. Marie has all the tools available to her to prevent her
from reoffending. It appears that if she is release she have the support of her hometown
community or at least her potential employer. If the Marie does enter back into the
community may be met with some resistance due the nature of her crime. However, if
Marie continues on the path that she has while she has been in prison and lean on her
faith she should be able to become a law abiding citizen within community and help
others through the Prison Ministry.
Biblical Worldview
The biblical worldview as it related to this case study and Marie’s crime of murder the
bible is clear as it states, “You shall not murder”(Exodus, 20:13, NIV). In God’s eyes sin
is sin. As a Christian we are thought that sin does not have a level of offense and one sin
is no greater than another. Marie has repented her sins and is now born again. As
Christian while this crime is in no why to be taken lightly, we are not to judge Marie.
The bible states to us about judgment of other “Do not judge, or you too will be
judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure
you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your
brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to
your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in
your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will
see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:1-5, NIV).
Conclusion
Prisoner Marie crime has severed 30 years of her 20 years-to-life sentence for the murder
of her 2 and 4 year old children and based on the data that has been presented does have
valid merit for her to be considered for parole. Marie has a near perfect record while she
has been in custody and has taken multiple steps to take responsibility for her crime and
is remorseful. Maries case file suggests that she would be successful upon reentry into the
community due to her having a support system in place in her home town and she has
turned her life over to God. The bible tell us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV “therefore, if
anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here”.
Reference:
Alarid, L. F. (2017). Community-based corrections (11th ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage
Learning.
Atkin, C. A.; Armstrong, G. S. (2013). Does the concentration of parolees in community
impact employer attitudes toward the hiring of ex-offenders. Criminal Justice Policy
Review 24(1), 71-93.
Glaeser, E., & Sacerdote, B. (2003). Sentencing in Homicide Cases and the Role of
Vengeance. The Journal of Legal Studies,32(2), 363-382. doi:10.1086/374707
Liem, Marieke. (2013). Homicide offender recidivism: A review of the literature.
Aggression and Violent Behavior. 18. 10.1016/j.avb.2012.08.001.
