In fascinating detail, Dying to Tell gives us an in-depth look at different kinds of criminal deaths:

…the absolutely senseless slaying of a young correctional officer under the guise of racial retribution in a tragic situation unthinkably manipulated for personal gain

… three deaths in the prison homosexual protection dormitory underscoring just how far lonely inmates will go in their search for a little human warmth and caring

… the electrocution of a careless young outlaw devoid of human feeling whose bracelet tattoo had a skull for every victim

…two questionable deaths blamed on a Vietnam combat vet suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as one of that war’s most distressing and long-lasting legacies

…and the death of a frail little inmate who absolutely died of despair because of an uncaring and unresponsive state administration.

All these deaths revolved around Louisiana’s infamous sprawling state penitentiary called Angola, and all of the victims had to die to make us listen to their stories.

And it is only by using these stories to lead us to a deeper understanding of crime and criminal offenders that we give meaning to these victims’ lives and ensure that their sacrifices not be in vain.