Young, Armed, and Dangerous

Texas Youth Commission (01:37)
The US has approximately 1.7 million behind bars. In Texas, poverty is synonymous with minority and most of the juveniles locked up are poor. Daniel Hernandez Jr. discusses using a gun.

Offending Predictors (02:06)

Learn Daniel Hernandez Jr.'s criminal past and his living situation prior to his current incarceration. Experts discuss the characteristics of areas where offenders are likely to originate.

Alternatives to Prison (01:59)

Daniel Hernandez Jr. attends The Pathways Learning Center prior to his current incarceration. Kerensa Berry-Logan discusses the program's approach.

Discouraging Gang Activity (03:37)

In 1989, the wave of gang violence begins in Ft. Worth. Police keep a high profile on the streets. Officers find a juvenile with drugs and a juvenile with a rifle.

Youths Commit Murder (02:16)

Hear a news report about Willard Pratt's murder by three juveniles; sixteen-year-old Robert Valle is tried as an adult. The DA reflects on rehabilitating a young murderer. (Graphic images)

Path to Murder (03:15)

Sonia Afandor discusses Robert Valle's familial environment and reflects on her son's behavior. Hear Valle's trial details and sentence. The DA shares a cynical view on stopping violence too late. (Graphic language)

A Positive Role Model (03:41)

Experts discuss the irony of the criminal justice system. Daniel Hernandez Jr. participates in the Tarrant County Advocate Program prior to his current incarceration.

Mentoring is a Good Idea (04:17)

The Tarrant County Advocate Program encourages companies to hire at-risk juveniles; Gus Garcia employs Sebastian Muñoz. See a meeting with TCAP, Muñoz, his family, and his boss.

Potential to Offend Again (02:24)

Daniel Hernandez Jr. is in limbo after finishing his initial sentence. Hernandez stays out of physical trouble but smokes marijuana.

Violent Acts (03:26)

Daniel Hernandez Jr. returns to lock-up shortly after being released. Steve Figueroa discusses killing two people during a drug deal. (Graphic language)

Justice is Not About the Criminal (03:20)

Raynell Muskwinsky's family members share their grief. A coordinator for victim-offender mediation helps to repair the emotional damage of crime. Steve Figueroa faces his victim's mother. (Graphic language)

Facing the Pain (03:00)

Steve Figueroa shares his thoughts about his crime with his victim's mother. He looks through a photo album depicting Raynell Muskwinsky's life.

Giddings State School (04:27)

Every juvenile in this facility has committed a violent offense. Offenders must take responsibility for their actions. Michael reveals his troubled family life. (Graphic language)

Resocialization (03:50)

Therapy forces offenders troubled young offenders to face their anger and grief. Experts reflect on the cost of treatment. See offenders participate in a psychodrama. (Graphic language)

Southwest Key Treatment Center (02:56)

Experts discuss the benefits of re-socialization. The Southwest Key helps young offenders, like Jason Rodriguez, prepare for life after release.

Connecting to Culture and Community (04:33)

Rev. McLee takes youth from the Southwest Key Treatment Center to an art exhibit. Jason Rodriguez discusses his experience at the center. Children are the responsibility of the community.

Cycle of Life (01:57)

An expert discusses the need to reach juvenile offenders rather than giving up on them. Intervening in a life can affect the next seven generations.

Credits: Young, Armed, and Dangerous (02:37)

Credits: Young, Armed, and Dangerous