
This American Life 844: This Is the Case of Henry Dee
Oct 19, 2025
Ben Austen, a seasoned reporter, shares insights from his year-long investigation into Illinois parole board hearings. Virginia Martinez, a board member, gives a unique perspective on Henry Dee's case, highlighting the delicate balance of justice and rehabilitation. The discussion reveals the intense deliberations the board faces when considering a man’s release after nearly 50 years in prison. They navigate complex emotions, the impact of past crimes, and the formidable challenge of assessing true remorse and change over decades.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Intro
00:00 • 5min
The Parole Hearing of Henry Dee
05:29 • 4min
The Harrowing Case of Arthur and Edith Snyder
09:01 • 12min
Deliberation on Parole: Weighing the Pros and Cons
20:54 • 2min
The Complexity of Justice
23:07 • 6min
The Parole Hearing Dilemma
28:46 • 10min
Redemption and Parole: The Case of Henry D.
39:07 • 10min
The Brief Freedom of Henry D.: A Life Reclaimed and Lost
49:29 • 4min
Navigating Freedom: Henry Dee's Journey
53:50 • 4min
Henry Dee: Beyond Imprisonment
57:40 • 4min
