On Thursday, Calvin University hosted a session where three ex-juvenile lifers shared their personal stories.
As a teenager, Ronnie Waters admits to being fully aware of his wrongful actions. He takes responsibility for his mistakes.
According to court records, in 1980, Waters took the life of a woman while she and her husband were at a drive-in.
In an interview with FOX 17, Waters revealed that during his youth, he committed a grave mistake that resulted in the loss of an innocent life. Consequently, he was sentenced to life imprisonment without the chance of parole.
In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that life without parole sentences for minors aged 17 and below are unconstitutional in the Miller v. Alabama case. Consequently, these young individuals have the opportunity to be resentenced.
In his own words, Waters reveals that he had been dedicating his time in prison to self-improvement through teaching fellow inmates how to read and write. For Waters, the year 2020 marked an opportunity for a second chance.
Waters expressed that the opportunity to demonstrate that he is more than just the worst mistake he has ever made in his life was a defining moment. “I finally had the chance to prove to everyone that I am capable of much more,” he said.
His current mission is to spread hope and healing to those in need.
Waters expressed his remorse for the crime he committed and stated that he is striving to lead a life that would make everyone proud.
Safe & Just Michigan is a strong supporter of juveniles who deserve a second chance.
According to John Cooper, the Executive Director of Safe & Just Michigan, kids deserve a second chance since they are prone to change as they grow.
In Michigan, juveniles can receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole, which is a practice that only a few states follow. Waters highlights the misunderstanding between the laws existing in our state and the ruling made by the Supreme Court over ten years ago.
According to the United States Supreme Court, it is not mandatory to sentence juveniles to life without parole. However, this does not mean that the option is completely off the table. A hearing must be held to reevaluate the individual once they have matured and become an adult. If the judge determines that a life sentence without parole is still appropriate, they may still choose to impose that sentence. As Waters explains, the option is not mandatory, but it is still available.
Safe & Just Michigan recently held a discussion at Calvin University to further their efforts in advocating for changes in state laws.
Cooper raised an important consideration, “If an individual is still in the process of maturing when they are put behind bars, shouldn’t they be given a chance to be re-evaluated later in life when they have become an adult? This way, we can determine whether they have transformed into a responsible person who can be reintegrated into society or not.”
Legislation is currently being developed at the Michigan Capitol to modify the laws and pave the way for additional prospects similar to those of Waters.
According to Waters, they are not promoting lenient punishment or turning a blind eye to the offenses they commit.
The two bills are currently under the scrutiny of House and Senate committees, and it remains uncertain whether they will be subjected to a vote or not.
