10 People Who Will NEVER Be Released from Prison

Top-10-People-Who-Will-Never-Be-Released-from-Prison

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re discussing 10 criminals who will never be released due to the seriousness or heinousness of their actions.

#10: Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán

Once considered the most powerful narco in the world, the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel is currently serving a life sentence plus 30 years in a U.S. maximum-security prison. His criminal career spans decades, during which he oversaw a vast and violent empire that smuggled immense quantities of illegal substances into the United States. Guzmán's notoriety for escaping from high-security prisons in Mexico only to be recaptured and finally extradited to the U.S. in 2017 adds to his infamy. His fate includes no possibility for parole, effectively ensuring he will spend the remainder of his time behind bars.

#9: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev

A key figure in the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, which resulted in the tragic loss of three lives and injured hundreds, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, will be imprisoned for the rest of his days. The attack, one of the most shocking acts of violence on American soil in recent history, led to a massive manhunt culminating in Tsarnaev's capture. In 2015, he was convicted on 30 charges, including conspiracy and use of a weapon of mass destruction leading to death. While his death sentence is still being appealed, his imprisonment underscores the severe consequences of perpetrating acts of terror and highlights the justice system's commitment to holding individuals accountable for endangering public safety and security.

#8: Terry Nichols

Nichols Was hit with multiple sentences for his involvement in the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, one of the deadliest acts of domestic violence in U.S. history. This devastating event resulted in the loss of 168 lives, including many children, and left over 600 individuals injured. Nichols was found guilty of conspiring with Timothy McVeigh to carry out the attack as a crazed act of protest against the federal government. His conviction on federal and state charges ensures that he will remain incarcerated for the rest of his time on the planet, a testament to the gravity of his terrible actions and their lasting impact on the nation.

#7: Michael Swango

This former physician-turned-serial-killer was implicated in the deaths of up to 60 patients and colleagues across the United States and Zimbabwe. Born in 1954, Swango graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, despite serious concerns about his competence. He worked in various hospitals where unusually high rates of death and illness followed his presence, leading to suspicions that he was poisoning patients and coworkers. Arrested in 1997, Swango was initially jailed for fraudulently obtaining his medical positions. In 2000, he pleaded guilty to murdering three patients and was sentenced to three consecutive life terms without parole. His case highlighted catastrophic lapses in hospital safety and the oversight of medical personnel.

#6: Larry Nassar

A former USA Gymnastics national team doctor and osteopathic physician at Michigan State University, Nassar is serving an effective until-death sentence after being convicted of multiple counts. His horrific crimes came to light after hundreds of young athletes, spanning decades, bravely came forward. Nassar's conviction on these multiple charges led to a judgment that ensures he will spend the rest of his existence in prison. This sickening saga has had a profound impact on the world of sports, prompting significant discussions about athlete safety, the responsibilities of institutions, and the importance of listening to and protecting survivors.

#5: Keith Raniere

The founder of NXIVM, a company that purported to offer personal and professional development seminars, received a 120-year prison sentence. Convicted in 2019 on several charges, including forced labor conspiracy, and racketeering, Raniere masqueraded as a self-help guru to manipulate, control, and exploit his followers. The case against him revealed a disturbing pattern, including the creation of a secret society within NXIVM where women were branded with his initials. His conviction underscores the dangers of cult-like organizations and the power dynamics that can lead to exploitation and abuse under the guise of self-improvement.

#4: Joseph James DeAngelo

Known as the Golden State Killer, DeAngelo was convicted, with multiple consecutive life sentences, after pleading guilty to 13 counts of murder and numerous other charges. His crimes, committed during the 1970s and 1980s, terrorized communities across California. DeAngelo, a former police officer, eluded capture for decades until advancements in DNA technology and genealogical research led to his arrest in 2018. His facing justice in 2020 marked the end of a long and harrowing saga for his victims and their families, bringing some measure of closure to cases that had remained unsolved for over 40 years.

#3: Gary Ridgway

The Green River Killer confessed to the murder of 49 women, making him one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. His crimes, which took place in the 1980s and 1990s, primarily targeted women in the Seattle area, many of whom were vulnerable individuals. In 2003, Ridgway was spared the death penalty in exchange for cooperating with authorities to locate the remains of his victims, ultimately leading to his conviction on 48 counts of murder. His case is notable for the sheer scale of his monstrousness, the years he evaded capture, and the impact of his actions on the families of his victims and the broader community.

#2: Nikolas Cruz

The perpetrator of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, in 2018, is doing life without the possibility of parole. One of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history, it resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals, including students and staff members, and left 17 others injured. Cruz's actions spurred a nationwide movement for gun control and school safety reforms, led by survivors of the shooting. His sentencing in 2022 marked the conclusion of a highly publicized and emotionally charged trial that captivated the nation.

#1: James Holmes

The infamous Holmes is responsible for the 2012 Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting during a midnight screening of "The Dark Knight Rises," and is serving 12 life sentences plus 3,318 years. This act of violence, one of the deadliest shootings in U.S. history, resulted in the death of 12 individuals and injured 70 others. Holmes' attack stunned the nation, igniting debates on gun control, mental health, and the security of public spaces. His punishment reflects the magnitude of the tragedy and the lives altered forever by his actions, as well as a grim reminder of the potential for violence in society.

What other criminals could have made this list? Let us know in the comments.