This American Life - Episode 844: This Is the Case of Henry Dee

Host: Ira Glass
Reporter: Ben Austin
Release Date: October 20, 2024

1. Introduction to Parole Hearings

Ira Glass sets the stage by introducing the seldom-heard process of parole hearings in Illinois. He explains that while many states have abolished or limited parole due to concerns over subjectivity and fairness, Illinois still conducts these hearings. The episode delves into the intricacies of such hearings, focusing on the monumental decisions parole boards must make regarding an individual's release after decades of incarceration.

"Parole hearings, the system where somebody with a long sentence comes before somebody and gets a chance to get out, that's been abolished in about a third of all the states."
(00:50)

2. The Case of Henry Dee

Ben Austin introduces the central figure of the episode, Henry Dee, a 72-year-old man incarcerated for nearly 50 years for the brutal murders of Arthur and Edith Snyder in 1971. Dee's case is particularly noteworthy because, despite his extensive time in prison, he has rarely been considered for parole—only one board member has ever voted in his favor over two dozen hearings.

"The man they're considering for release in this case is 72 years old, been locked up for almost 50 years, most of his life."
(06:27)

3. Henry Dee's Crime and Conviction

The crime committed by Henry Dee in 1971 was heinous. Alongside co-defendant James Sayles, Dee brutally murdered Arthur and Edith Snyder during a home invasion. Despite the severity of the crime, Dee has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming that evidence was planted and that he was wrongfully convicted.

"Henry D. says he'd be more ready to vote for parole if Henry D. just hadn't said he was innocent."
(35:52)

4. Life in Prison: Rehabilitation and Infractions

Despite his early escape attempts in 1979 and 1980, Henry Dee's subsequent behavior in prison has been exemplary. He has been described as a "model prisoner," with only four disciplinary infractions over three decades. Dee has earned certifications in sheet metal work, contributed to correctional industries, and served as a mediator among inmates and staff.

"He has been saving money and he has the financial and other support from Juan Rivera."
(19:03)

5. The Parole Hearing: Deliberations and Dynamics

During the parole hearing, board member Virginia Martinez presents Dee's case, highlighting his impeccable prison record and his ongoing claims of innocence. The board members engage in a detailed discussion, questioning the veracity of Dee's claims and the implications of his lack of remorse.

"He has completely changed whoever he was at the time. I mean, he's now 73 years old."
(27:19)

Board members debate the balance between justice for the victims and the potential for Dee's rehabilitation. Sal Diaz, a former Chicago cop, voices skepticism about Dee's innocence but opts to vote in his favor regardless.

"I think he's dirty, but I'm going to vote for him."
(44:12)

6. The Vote and Decision

Ultimately, the parole board votes nine to four in favor of releasing Henry Dee. This decision is significant given the rarity of parole approvals in his case. The emotions in the room are palpable, reflecting the gravity of granting parole to someone convicted of such a brutal crime.

"He received eight votes, is that correct? Nine. Nine votes."
(44:25)

7. After Parole: Henry Dee's Release and Death

Following his parole, Henry Dee's freedom is short-lived. Despite initial celebrations and support from prison staff and fellow inmates, Dee faces numerous challenges adapting to life outside prison. Without a stable support system, ongoing health issues, and limited understanding of the outside world, Dee's release culminates in his untimely death less than a year later.

"From O'Hare, he gets on a train. He's got directions written out on paper. He doesn't have a cell phone. He makes it to a Salvation army on the city's west side. That's where he sleeps. He later moves to a homeless shelter. ... He's admitted to the hospital. He has diabetes fluid on his lungs, and after a Few days there, he's dead."
(50:44 - 56:07)

8. Reflections and Implications

Ben Austin reflects on the broader implications of Henry Dee's case, questioning the effectiveness and fairness of the parole system. He discusses the emotional toll on victims' families, noting that Dee's daughter-opponent felt that no amount of good behavior could atone for taking lives. Austin also highlights the statistical reality that most parole candidates are elderly and pose minimal risk of reoffending, yet only a small percentage are actually granted parole.

"The United States locks up more people than any other country. About one in six of all the incarcerated people in the world. ... Many will die there. They deserve another."
(48:00)

Austin contemplates whether the parole system should be reformed or expanded, recognizing both its potential for second chances and its susceptibility to bias and randomness.

Notable Quotes

• Ira Glass (00:50): "Parole hearings, the system where somebody with a long sentence comes before somebody and gets a chance to get out, that's been abolished in about a third of all the states."

• Virginia Martinez (06:38): "This is a case of Henry D, number C01657. Mr. D is currently 72 years of age, having been born on August 24, 1946."

• Sal Diaz (44:12): "I think he's dirty, but I'm going to vote for him."

• Ben Austin (48:00): "The United States locks up more people than any other country. ... They deserve another."

Conclusion

"This Is the Case of Henry Dee" offers a profound exploration of the parole system through the lens of one man's decades-long incarceration. It raises essential questions about justice, rehabilitation, and the possibility of redemption, while also highlighting the emotional complexities faced by both those seeking release and the families of victims. The episode underscores the enduring impact of our criminal justice decisions and the human stories behind them.

Produced by: Aviva DeKornfeld
Edited by: David Kestenbaum
Fact-Checked by: Christopher Sotala, Hina Shivastava, Rudy Lee