This American Life 844: This Is the Case of Henry Dee
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Oct 19, 2025 Ben Austen, a dedicated reporter, shares insights from a year spent at Illinois parole board hearings, focusing on the complex case of Henry Dee, a man imprisoned for nearly 50 years. Virginia Martinez, a parole board member, provides unique perspectives on the moral dilemmas faced during deliberations. They discuss the intricate balance of justice and rehabilitation, the emotional toll of these decisions, and how societal perceptions impact inmates seeking a second chance. The episode reveals the harsh realities of life after prison, including the challenges of reintegration and maintaining hope.
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The Snyder Murders
- Henry Dee and James Sales were charged with the brutal murders of Arthur and Edith Snyder in 1971.
- They were accused of hogtying, gagging, and bludgeoning the couple with a hammer, then setting their apartment on fire.
The Dilemma of Innocence
- The parole board grapples with remorse and Dee's innocence claim.
- His insistence on innocence challenges the entire justice system's past decisions.
The First Escape
- In 1979, Dee escaped prison using a homemade weapon, handcuffing guards but leaving keys behind.
- He was caught the next day with his girlfriend.