Frank Ross was sentenced to die in prison – but after decades behind bars, he faces a new shot at freedom. At 93-years-old, Frank Ross is struggling with serious health issues. He’s able to secure a medical transfer to live out his final days at a healthcare facility through a law commonly known as “compassionate release.” Frank’s story is representative of a growing problem in prisons across the U.S., where the number of incarcerated people considered elderly has reached a historic peak. Compassionate release is one of the few options that could help combat the growing number of sick and elderly people. 

This is part one of “Released To Die” a three part mini series that explores what it means to get a chance to die free.

Illustrations by Alex Charner

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Episode credits:

Host: Maria Hinojosa

Producer and Reporter: Julieta Martinelli 

Editor: Marlon Bishop

Fact Checker: Roxana Aguirre

Sound Designer: Jacob Rosati 

Production Manager: Victoria Estrada

Social Media: Luis Luna and Essam Aljahmi

Engineer: Stephanie Lebow and Julia Caruso 

Managing Editor: Fernanda Echavarri

Executive Producers: Peniley Ramírez, Maria Hinojosa and David Luis ‘Suave’ Gonzalez