Women Behind Bars Tuesdays at 10p|9c

Jackie Alexander and Heather Frango Tuesday, November 17 at 1pm | 12c


The first of these two stories features Jackie Alexander who is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of her roommate and confidant, Thomas Hammond. Hammond’s body was found scorched in the trunk of his car, the morning after his murder. Alexander and 16-year-old Derek Wilkes stabbed and tortured the neighborhood good-Samaritan for three hours before he finally died. Jackie’s defense attorney argued that an abusive past led Jackie to snap when threatened by Hammond, despite the fact that Thomas helped to support Jackie for almost 10 years. The 48-year-old mother will spend the rest of her life in a nine by six cell. Because of good behavior, Jackie is currently working the highest paid job in jail. She washes laundry for one dollar a day. Hammond’s sister Charlotte says she has forgiven Jackie. Heather Frango’s two-and-a-half-year-old son, Jonathan was mauled to death by the family pit bulls, who were said to be tied up outside the house. One night after one of the animals gave birth to a litter of puppies, they were allowed to sleep inside. That morning, little Jonathan wandered out of his parent’s bed to get a bowl of cereal. Moments later, Heather urgently dialed 911 and screamed for help as her son lay bleeding and dying. The prosecution claims Heather and James were smoking marijuana and did not hear or help the child during the attack. After the investigation, Heather’s and James’ house was condemned because of the poor living conditions. The couple faced 60 years in prison but were sentenced to only three. Heather is scheduled to be released from Fluvanna Correctional Center in June 2009.
Upcoming Air Dates: Tuesday, November 17 at 1pm \| 12c