HBO’s forthcoming documentary, “Nature of the Crime,” isn’t your typical true-crime fare. It’s not about whodunnit, but rather who gets out. Premiering Tuesday, December 10, the film offers a stark look at the often-opaque world of the US parole system, focusing on three men who committed crimes as teenagers and have spent decades behind bars.
The documentary follows Todd Scott and Chad Campbell, both convicted of murder in New York as adolescents, now seeking release after serving over 30 years. Their parole hearings become a microcosm of the system’s complexities, exposing the criteria – and often arbitrary nature – of these life-altering decisions. The film also features Carlos Rebollo, incarcerated since age 15, as he pursues parole in Connecticut, a state that has recently attempted to reform its parole process to better consider the unique circumstances of youth offenders.
Directors Ricki Stern and Jesse Sweet spent four years embedded in this world, gaining access to the inner workings of parole boards and revealing the myriad influences, both apparent and obscured, that shape their judgments. “Nature of the Crime” doesn’t shy away from tough questions, particularly the fundamental question of whether a second chance is ever truly possible, or deserved, for individuals who committed serious crimes at a young age.
Beyond the individual stories, the film highlights systemic issues, including the often-murky nature of parole board decisions and the distinct lack of public accountability. It incorporates perspectives from attorneys on both sides of the issue, former parole board commissioners offering insight into the process, and family members grappling with the prolonged absence and uncertain futures of their loved ones.
“Nature of the Crime” also digs into the evolving science of adolescent brain development, posing important questions about the fairness of judging adult actions by the standards of a still-developing mind. Connecticut’s amended parole process, which explicitly considers the impact of youth on criminal behavior, serves as a key point of comparison, offering a potential model for reform.
Featured participants include attorneys Rhiya Trivedi, Rochelle Swartz, Judge Richard Healy, and Ron Kuby; former parole board commissioners James Ferguson, Carol Shapiro, and Patrick Gallivan; Connecticut parole board member Deborah Smith-Palmieri; and President of the New York Police Benevolent Association, Pat Hendry.
“Nature of the Crime” airs Tuesday, December 10, at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.
