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Former public defender Sara Bennett spent 13 years photographing women convicted of homicide. She traces their lives in prison – and what happens as they re-enter the outside world
Linda, 70. Incarcerated aged 43 in 1992. Pictured at Taconic Correctional Facility, Bedford Hills, NY, 2019. Sentence: 30 years to life.Sarah King
Thu 2 Jul 2026 08.00 CEST
Veronica, 53, in her apartment, Flushing, NY, 2021. Served: 27 years. Sentence: 25 years to life. Released: 2019
Veronica is shown with her husband of 29 years. Sara Bennett’s book is a striking reminder of the complexity and humanity of women who are far more than the single act that sent them to prison. Through intimate portraits and personal ephemera – Polaroids, letters, drawings, handwritten notes – former public defender (a role akin to a legal aid lawyer) Bennett creates a layered narrative that resists stereotype. Sara Bennett’s Looking Inside: Women With Life Sentnces is published by Kehrer Verlag
Andrea, 64, in a recreation room at Taconic Correctional Facility, NY. Incarcerated at the age of 46 in 2001. Sentence: 20 years to life. Released: 2020
Bennett spent more than a decade photographing women convicted of homicide and sentenced to life in New York state. She traced their lives inside, and in some cases their outside world on re-entry.‘When I first came in,’ says Andrea, ‘it was weird but I learned to deal with it by going to church and working. As a woman who has rebuilt herself, I love being in my 60s’
Karen, 69, in a homeless shelter, four weeks after her release, NY, 2017. Served: 35 years. Released: 2017
‘Parole sent me to a homeless assessment centre in the South Bronx,’ says Karen. ‘The quality of the food and bedding was a lateral move from prison. But, factoring in my freedom, there’s no question it was an improvement. Now I’m living in a shelter run by the Women’s Prison Association. I feel safe and secure. The room I’m living in is sparse, with not much in it – but it’s mine. In this room I find comfort, privacy, peace of mind, and finally freedom’
Sahiah, 23, at the college library, Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, NY, 2019. Incarcerated aged 16 in 2011. Sentence: 20 years to life
‘Being incarcerated at such a young age made me feel as if my life was over. But as the days and the time went by I knew God had a special plan and purpose for me. There is light at the end of my tunnel. I will be free’
Judy, 69, at the nursery, Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, NY, 2019. Incarcerated aged 31 in 1981 Sentence: 75 years to life
‘People ask me why I smile so much. It’s not that I’m always happy. I suffer the pains of imprisonment: separation from loved ones, being strip-searched after visits, being forbidden to hug. Every day, I carry the burden of guilt for my crime and all the pain and loss I am responsible for. I cannot change that. But I can decide how to wake up each morning and meet the day. I choose love, curiosity, to smile’
Carol, 69, in supportive housing, four years after her release, Long Island City, NY, 2017. Sentence: 25 years to life. Served: 35 years. Released: 2013
‘When I was inside, I dreamed of getting out, getting a job, travelling. But by the time I got out my health was bad. Basically, that changed all plans. I wish I could do more, but I’m at peace. I have my grandson Cecil. He’s a precious boy of six years. He loves me unconditionally and that’s a delight’
Jennifer, 40, in her own apartment, 15 months after her release, Brooklyn, NY, 2021. Served: 17½ years. Released: 2020
‘I feel like I am working on being free’
Assia, 35, in a baby clothes storeroom, Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, NY, 2018. Incarcerated aged 19 in 2003. Sentence: 18 years to life
‘Recently I spent the night looking after a nine-week-old baby whose mom was removed from the nursery unit. As a nursery aide and doula, I am one of the few women entrusted with caring for precious life and supporting new and experienced mothers. Despite the bad choices that landed me in prison, and away from my own children who have had to grow up without me, I can still make a difference’
Linda, 70, in a recreation room for the medically unemployed, Taconic Correctional Facility, Bedford Hills, NY, 2019. Incarcerated aged 43 in 1992. Sentence: 30 years to life
‘This is my 27th year being incarcerated. I’ve been scared, lonely, hurt, disappointed and forgotten. When I got here 11 months ago, I couldn’t believe all the women I’d done time with were still here, going to the board and never leaving. Will that be me? I do my hair and makeup daily, it makes me feel good. But on the inside, I’m breaking down. I beg for forgiveness and a second chance. Will I die behind these walls?’
Evelyn, 42, in Queens, NY, 2014. Served: 17 years of a 15 years to life sentence. Released: 2012
‘When I was a kid, I didn’t have so much time to play around. I was busy. I was the only girl. I had two small brothers and I had to take care of them and work. Spending time with kids now lets me goof around and be silly. I feel joyous when I’m with them’
Evelyn, Astoria, NY, 2015
Evelyn in supportive housing after she and her domestic partner ended their relationship
Karen, 69, in the visiting room, Taconic Correctional Facility, Bedford Hills, NY, 2017. Incarcerated aged 35 in 1982. Sentence: 25 years to life
‘First Step: I will finally breathe fresh air, finally take my first step outside this fence without my hands cuffed – without shackles on my feet. Will I feel free right away? Will I be scared? I would be a fool not to be terrified of all that has changed in 35 years, but I’m an eager fool’Explore more on these topics
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