Kids Behind Bars: Life or Parole

On Jan. 31, 2011, 14-year-old Aaron shoots his neighbor, 14-year-old Alana, in her home in Harlem, Ga.; Aaron is sentenced to life without parole at 15, but appeals his sentence at the age of 21.

On April 10, 1995, 15-year-old Curtis is one of four teens involved in a fatal carjacking attempt and is sentenced to life in prison without parole; after 23 years in jail, Curtis is granted a resentencing and could soon be released.

In 2010, 17-year-old Preston is one of three teens involved in an attempted robbery that results in murder; sentenced along with the other teens to life without parole, Preston is granted a resentencing hearing at the age of 25.

In 1992, 15-year-old Bobby shoots his girlfriend's parents as they sleep in their Texas home, killing the mother; Bobby is sentenced to life in prison despite claims he was manipulated into committing the murder, and hopes to appeal his sentence.

In 2001, a group of teens including 15-year-old Brandon kidnap and rape a 21-year-old college student in Youngstown, Ohio; tried as an adult, Brandon is sentenced to 141 years in prison without parole.

In 1990, 15-year-old James kills his stepmother and three young brothers with a shotgun, then sets their rural Wyoming home on fire; 27 years later, James' legal team argues that his original sentence is unconstitutional.