Ep 5. Children Of Killers

This is Life with Lisa Ling is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary series that explores some of the most pressing social issues of our time. In season 5 episode 5, titled "Children of Killers," Lisa Ling delves into the difficult and often heartbreaking world of kids who have grown up with a parent in prison for murder.

The episode profiles several families across the country whose lives have been irrevocably altered by the actions of a parent. These children, now young adults, have had to grapple with the stigma, shame, and trauma of having a loved one behind bars for such a heinous crime.

One of the families featured is that of 24-year-old Lashonia Etheridge-Brown. Her father, Anthony Etheridge, was sentenced to life in prison for murder when she was just six. Lashonia grew up in a rough neighborhood in Baltimore with her mother and siblings, but she always felt an unexplainable void in her life. As she got older, she began to realize that the absence of her father was a huge part of that void, and she decided to reconnect with him. Now, Lashonia visits her father in prison regularly, but she admits that it's still tough to reconcile the loving dad she remembers with the man who committed a violent act.

Lisa also meets with the children of convicted killers who were exonerated after years in prison. In these cases, the kids not only had to deal with the stigma of their parent's crime, but also the trauma of losing them to wrongful imprisonment. One such case is that of Frankie Foultz, whose father Thomas was convicted of murder based on dubious evidence. Frankie was only eight when her father left, and she grew up in the shadow of his wrongful conviction. When Thomas was finally exonerated 20 years later, Frankie had to process the emotions of both joy and anger at a justice system that had failed her family for so long.

Throughout the episode, Lisa speaks with psychologists and experts on the psychological effects of growing up with an incarcerated parent. They explain the myriad ways that trauma and stigma can manifest in children's lives, from difficulty forming relationships to struggles with addiction and mental illness. But Lisa also finds hope and resilience in the stories of the children she profiles. Despite the odds stacked against them, they have managed to find joy, purpose, and even forgiveness in their lives.

"Children of Killers" is a moving and enlightening exploration of a rarely discussed topic in American society. It highlights the need for more support and resources for children with incarcerated parents, and the importance of recognizing their unique needs and struggles. Above all, it reminds us of the enduring power of love and family, even in the darkest of circumstances.