Article Reflection No. 80 (12/17/2023)

Article: “Sentenced to Life for an Accident Miles Away”

In The New Yorker article “Sentenced to Life for an Accident Miles Away”, journalist Sarah Stillman details her investigation into felony murder, a charge that subjects individuals indirectly involved in the crime to—potentially—a life sentence without parole. Specifically detailing the story of Sadik Baxter, one of the thousands of people who have been indicted with a felony murder charge, Stillman informs readers of the consequences that are disproportionate compared to the harm done while showing the deep complexities in the U.S. law system. 

This article surprised me for many reasons. The frequency of felony murder indictments. The depth of the research. How a victim’s family tried helping the accused.