Violation Ep 7: No Safe Place
Description
Two months after Jacob Wideman was arrested at work and brought back to prison — for failing to make an appointment with a psychologist on a particular day, as directed by his parole officer — he faced the Arizona parole board again.
The board had to make a formal finding: Did Jake violate the conditions of his parole by not making that appointment? And, if so, should he stay in prison or be returned to the community?
Parole revocation hearings tend to be routine affairs. But, as this episode shows, Jake’s hearing was far from routine.
Ultimately, the parole board voted to keep Jake in prison, where he remains, possibly for life.
In the final episode of Violation, we discuss what happens now and what Jake’s legal options are. And we return to thorny dilemmas about the criminal justice system: When someone commits a terrible crime, as Jake did, is there anything they can do to prove they deserve to be free again? How does the parole system help us determine what justice should be in any given case — and does it make us more safe?
We also return to the question of why Jake killed Eric Kane in 1986. There’s one last piece of the puzzle that might bring a little more clarity, and Jake tries to explain it in his own words.
As I was listening to this, I was feeling that the victims family was really out to get Jake after all these years, but I don’t know how I would react on the same situation. I’m also noticing that I haven’t heard Jake state any remorse for what he did. I don’t know if I missed that, but I haven’t heard him once state how remorseful he was for killing that kid. That’s what is sticking out to me- Aure Jake is focusing on his own struggles and abuse amd experiences, but where is the remorse and apology for what he did? I don’t know- I’m on the fence about this entire story.
As I was listening to this, I was feeling that the victims family was really out to get Jake after all these years, but I don’t know how I would react on the same situation. I’m also noticing that I haven’t heard Jake state any remorse for what he did. I don’t know if I missed that, but I haven’t heard him once state how remorseful he was for killing that kid. That’s what is sticking out to me- Aure Jake is focusing on his own struggles and abuse amd experiences, but where is the remorse and apology for what he did? I don’t know- I’m on the fence about this entire story.
I am sorry that Jake had to experience that trauma. I'm also sorry that Jake visited trauma on someone else who no longer gets to experience life at all. Jake's father's reaction to that last question demonstrates that he, too, is traumatized by something. I can see why people react so negatively to both Jake and his father - they both stand with their teeth bared and their fists balled up.