Kristian Hansen

Written by Kristian’s wife Caroline
When my husband Kristian was sentenced to life without parole in 1996, he was just 20 years old and struggling with severe drug addiction. He made a devastating decision that forever changed many lives, including his own. He has never tried to excuse what he did. Instead, he has spent the past 30 years taking responsibility and working every day to become a better man.

During his incarceration, Kristian earned his GED, an associate degree, and a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science. He has remained sober for nearly three decades, found a deep faith, and dedicated himself to helping others. He has served as a church clerk, facilitated Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, mentored troubled youth through the Youth Assistance Program, and now trains service dogs through Puppies Behind Bars, helping prepare them for lives of service.

Kristian has also maintained an extraordinary institutional record. In nearly 30 years of incarceration, he has never received a Tier III disciplinary ticket and has consistently earned the respect of correction officers, educators, supervisors, and the men he lives alongside. Those who know him today describe him as a man of integrity, compassion, humility, and accountability.

I have spent years advocating for my husband because I know the man he has become. Life without parole means he will never have the opportunity to demonstrate his rehabilitation before the Parole Board, no matter how much he grows or how many lives he positively impacts.

Clemency would not erase the harm caused by Kristian's crime, nor should it. Accountability and redemption can exist together. After 30 years of demonstrated rehabilitation, education, service, and personal transformation, I believe Kristian deserves the opportunity to earn a second chance. He deserves the chance to come home and be the husband, father, son, brother, and member of the community he has worked so hard to become.