20. Murder Behind Bars: How does prison change you?

What happens when a man serving multiple life sentences keeps killing in prison?

In July 1996, while in solitary confinement, Craig Bjork wrote to the warden of Stillwater prison in Minnesota threatening to commit mass murder against his fellow inmates. One year later he kills his first victim. Bjork who was already serving three consecutive life terms for killing his entire family reportedly asked ‘what can they do? Give me more time?’ On this episode of Bad People presenters Julia Shaw and Sofie Hagen discuss and a phenomenon called ‘prisonisation, violence and sexual assault in prison, and the importance of keeping inmates safe. Warning: This episode contains references to violence in prisons, sexual assault, extreme violence against children and executions. Archive credits: This episode includes audio from The Star Tribune newspaper.

Presenters: Dr. Julia Shaw and Sofie Hagen Producer: Simona Rata Music: Matt Chandler Series Editor: Rami Tzabar

Commissioning Producer: Hannah Rose Commissioning Executive: Dylan Haskins Commissioning Editor: Jason Phipps

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