After months out of prison, Frank Ross’ dementia has progressed. At times, he can no longer remember why he needs to wear the GPS monitor the law requires, putting his freedom at risk. He is dealing with serious health issues while adapting to his new life at the healthcare facility. While Frank struggles to live out his release in peace, we learn about a bill that advocates and some lawmakers say could reform Pennsylvania’s compassionate release system, easing the state’s financial burden and helping people like Frank whose healthcare needs aren’t being met in prison, to be released sooner.

This is part three of “Released To Die,” a three-part miniseries that explores what it means to have 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