"We Just Did It Because We Felt Like It"

New book dishes on her life behind bars

(NEWSER) - Excerpts from a new book provide a glimpse into Amanda Knox 's life "in limbo"—otherwise known as an Italian prison. The as-yet released book, Take Me With You, chronicles the convicted killer's life behind bars and her hopes for the future. "I miss my family. I have friends who are like brothers and sisters to me," the author, Rocco Girlanda, quotes Knox as saying. "I want to live." More»

(NEWSER) - What a difference a wig—or lack of one—makes. California released the prison mug shot of Phil Spector today, revealing him to be a rather ordinary looking bald guy, the Daily News reports. The renowned music producer, always seen in public (and court) with a very full head of hair, has just begun serving a 19-year sentence for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson at his mansion. He plans to appeal. More»

(NEWSER) - A photo showing an aged, haggard Charles Manson was released yesterday as part of a routine updating of California prison documents, the Los Angeles Times reports. The photo shows Manson mostly bald and with a thick, grey beard, his homemade swastika tattoo faded. Manson, 74, is serving a life sentence for his role in a series of 1969 murders. More»

Cuts in policing, youth programs blamed

(NEWSER) - Murders of black teens between the ages of 14 and 17 are up 39% since the start of the millennium—five times the overall homicide surge in the same period, and twice that of white teens, reports the Wall Street Journal. The authors of the study attribute some of the staggering jump to slashed law enforcement and youth programs, though conceded it's "hard to pin down" cause and effect. More»

Hudson murder suspect had abusive mother, imprisoned father

(NEWSER) - William Balfour grappled with depression and rage for years before his arrest in the Jennifer Hudson family killings, the Chicago Tribune reports. The son of a convicted killer, Balfour lived in and out of correctional facilities, suffering physical abuse at home and smoking dope to quell his anger. After serving 8 years for attempted murder, he tried to turn his life around—by marrying Jennifer Hudson's sister. More»