Main content

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

What happens when a man already serving multiple life sentences threatens to commit mass murder inside the prison's walls? 鈥淲hat can they do? Give me more time?鈥

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 鈥榳hat can they do? Give me more time?鈥

On this episode of Bad People presenters Julia Shaw and Sofie Hagen discuss and a phenomenon called 鈥榩risonisation, 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

Bad People is a 麻豆社 Audio Science Production for 麻豆社 Sounds

#BadPeople_麻豆社

Release date:

Available now

29 minutes

Podcast