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The documentary series profiles women from all walks of life, from gang members to grandmothers, engineers and former police officers, who have been convicted of murder. With exclusive interviews with the inmates, direct from location in medium and maximum-security prisons, each woman tells her unique story about why she felt compelled to use violence as a solution or did she?

In a dramatic, point-counterpoint format, prosecutors and defense attorneys, police, and psychological experts give their differing views on the crime while the families of the victim and the inmate describe the gut-wrenching impact on their lives. Each episode is a compelling look into the lives of women who took the wrong turn at the wrong time, and ended up behind bars and are now paying the heavy consequences for their actions. The series also explores how the women have come to terms with their crimes while incarcerated and if and how they have turned their lives around.

Roberta Jeannie Moore, Donna Duggins and Evelyn Jackson Tuesday, June 15 at 9pm | 8c

The first of these stories features Robert Jeannie Moore and Donna Duggins who, along with Moore’s on-again/off-again boyfriend, Eddie Morgan, were convicted for the attempted murder of Donna’s husband, Dean Duggins. Morgan testified at the sisters’ trial that Dean Duggins was asleep while he bludgeoned him with a hammer in 1996. Morgan claims that he was paid $1,000. Moore and Duggins were tried together and each received two consecutive sentences of 13 years. Both claim they are innocent.

In 1999, Evelyn Jackson along with two girl friends, Mary Arnold and Kathryn Amos kidnapped a woman and took her to a boat launch. There, Arnold, the ringleader of the group, allegedly beat the victim with a cane, a concrete block and a hammer. Arnold also strangled her with a cord from Christmas tree lights while Evelyn allegedly helped tie the cord. The victim’s body was dumped into a river. The three friends plead guilty. Arnold received 80 years. Evelyn received 45 years, and Amos, who testified against the others, got 20 years. Evelyn claims she had no idea the outing would result in murder and says that her desire to help her friend Mary was misguided. She deeply regrets her actions.

Women Behind Bars