In this gripping true crime episode, we investigate the haunting case of Nathan Ybanez, a 16-year-old who murdered his mother after years of alleged abuse. This deeply emotional story examines how a system meant to protect children failed repeatedly, leading to tragic consequences.

Featuring exclusive details about Nathan's troubled childhood, his desperate calls for help, and the controversial trial that sent a teenager to prison for life, this episode challenges everything we think we know about juvenile justice, from the inadequate legal defense to the ignored warning signs, we uncover how multiple institutions failed to prevent this tragedy.

Join us for this powerful examination of abuse, justice, and redemption that has captivated true crime audiences and sparked crucial debates about juvenile sentencing reform.

Sources: 

Scars of abuse concealed. By Miles Moffeit for DenverPost.com. October 28, 2006. 

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/whenkidsgetlife/five/nateerik.html

Journal entry from Nathan Ybanez. RocktMountainNews.com. September 20, 2005. 

New trial sought for teen who killed mom. By Miles Moffeit For DenverPost.com. May 7, 2016. https://www.denverpost.com/2007/08/27/new-trial-sought-for-teen-who-killed-mom/. 

'Thankful For The Opportunity': Erik Jensen Ready For Second Chance After Being Released From Prison. Author not noted for CBSNews.com. March 5, 2020. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/erik-jensen-nathan-ybanez-prison-sentence-jared-polis/.

Prison theatre: Finding freedom and purpose in the power of making art. By John Moore for Denver Centre of the Performing Arts. September 16, 2019. https://www.denvercenter.org/news-center/prison-theatre-finding-freedom-power-purpose-making-art/. 

In this gripping true crime episode, we investigate the haunting case of Nathan Ybanez, a 16-year-old who murdered his mother after years of alleged abuse. This deeply emotional story examines how a system meant to protect children failed repeatedly, leading to tragic consequences.

Featuring exclusive details about Nathan's troubled childhood, his desperate calls for help, and the controversial trial that sent a teenager to prison for life, this episode challenges everything we think we know about juvenile justice, from the inadequate legal defense to the ignored warning signs, we uncover how multiple institutions failed to prevent this tragedy.

Join us for this powerful examination of abuse, justice, and redemption that has captivated true crime audiences and sparked crucial debates about juvenile sentencing reform.

Sources: 

Scars of abuse concealed. By Miles Moffeit for DenverPost.com. October 28, 2006. 

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/whenkidsgetlife/five/nateerik.html

Journal entry from Nathan Ybanez. RocktMountainNews.com. September 20, 2005. 

New trial sought for teen who killed mom. By Miles Moffeit For DenverPost.com. May 7, 2016. https://www.denverpost.com/2007/08/27/new-trial-sought-for-teen-who-killed-mom/. 

'Thankful For The Opportunity': Erik Jensen Ready For Second Chance After Being Released From Prison. Author not noted for CBSNews.com. March 5, 2020. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/erik-jensen-nathan-ybanez-prison-sentence-jared-polis/.

Prison theatre: Finding freedom and purpose in the power of making art. By John Moore for Denver Centre of the Performing Arts. September 16, 2019. https://www.denvercenter.org/news-center/prison-theatre-finding-freedom-power-purpose-making-art/.