WEST CHESTER, PA — Retired West Chester University criminal justice professor Brian F. O’Neill has published a new book examining life without parole sentences and the potential for redemption among long-term inmates, the university announced.
The book, “Life After Life,” focuses on Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system and draws on case studies and interviews with individuals serving life sentences, some of whom have been incarcerated for 40 to 50 years.
O’Neill developed many of those connections through Inside/Out courses, which bring college students and incarcerated individuals together in prison classrooms at facilities including Montgomery County Correctional Facility and State Correctional Institution Chester.
“Lifers are a stabilizing force in prisons,” O’Neill said. “You see a fellowship among them. They help one another.”
The book examines topics including juvenile life without parole sentences, commutation, the role of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, and the experiences of women serving life sentences. It also includes perspectives from crime victims and explores restorative justice approaches.
Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of individuals sentenced to life without parole for crimes committed as juveniles, according to the book.
The cover artwork was created by a female inmate who has been serving a life sentence since 1972. The image depicts a bridge connecting a prison doorway to a community, with words such as self-awareness, mentoring, honesty, humility, skills, and family representing elements of rehabilitation.
The book also follows individuals who were later released after serving life sentences, examining recidivism and reintegration outcomes.
O’Neill retired in 2024 after 26 years at West Chester University, where he also organized a spring 2024 program that brought formerly incarcerated individuals to campus to discuss their experiences and community work after release.
He previously produced a radio documentary, “El Padre y Los Homies,” about Father Greg Boyle and Homeboy Industries, a Los Angeles-based gang intervention program.
“Life After Life” is available on Amazon.
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