
You may have watched an episode of Kids Behind Bars, Life or Parole that featured attorney Kaitlin S. DiMaggio’s close family member, William Najar.
The United States Supreme Court Overturned his Sentence.
Despite the United States Supreme Court vacating his sentence, he remains incarcerated.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered Arizona courts to reevaluate life-without-parole sentences for five juveniles convicted of multiple murders and serious crimes in the 1990s. The court vacated these sentences without a hearing and instructed the Arizona Court of Appeals to determine whether the defendants should be classified as “rare children whose crimes reflect irreparable corruption” deserving of life sentences or as individuals whose actions were a result of “transient immaturity.”
Justice Sonia Sotomayor emphasized that prior Supreme Court rulings recognize that minors differ constitutionally from adults due to their developmental immaturity and susceptibility to negative influences. She criticized the lower courts for not thoroughly assessing whether any of the defendants fell into the category of juvenile offenders whose rehabilitation seemed impossible, thereby justifying life sentences.
The decision reflects a broader legal principle that juvenile offenders should not automatically receive life without parole sentences, as their youth and potential for reform must be considered. The Arizona cases will now be reviewed to ensure compliance with this significant legal standard, balancing the defendants’ rights against the pursuit of justice for the victims.
William Najar Remains in Prison.
Despite this ruling, years of litigation have ensued, and William Najar remains incarcerated. Our managing attorney, Kaitlin S. DiMaggio, recently filed a successful petition for review in the Arizona Supreme Court. A decision is pending.