Netflix's 'Unlocked: A Jail Experiment': From Chauncey to Randy, all the inmates featured and the crimes they committed
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS: Netflix has released 'Unlocked: A Jail Experiment' in its entirety, but who makes up the odd reality show's cast? 'Unlocked: A Jail Experiment' premiered on Wednesday, April 10, offering viewers a glimpse into the dynamics when American criminals are given autonomy.
At the Pulaski County Regional Detention Center, guards are seen standing back, evaluating the possibility of granting inmates some autonomy within the facility. Viewers had the opportunity to binge-watch the dramatic reality program over the weekend, as all eight episodes were available at once.
The cast of 'Unlocked: A Jail Experiment' is incarcerated for the following reasons:
Chauncey Young
Chauncey Young was taken into custody on charges of first-degree violence, aggravated robbery, theft of goods, and possession of a controlled drug with the intent to supply. Following his release on bond, he is currently under electronic monitoring with an ankle bracelet.
Raymond "AJ" Lovett
Following the shooting at CHI St Vincent Hospital in Sherwood in 2022, Raymond "AJ" Lovett was taken into custody on charges of capital murder and aggravated assault. After receiving a life sentence plus an additional fifteen years, he was sent to the high-security Varner Unit.
Randy Randall
Randy Randall was accused of narcotics possession and domestic abuse. He had served nine jail terms. He is still incarcerated, but he still serves as a mentor to others.
John "Eastside" McCallister
Since the age of 19, John "Eastside" McCallister has spent 14 years in jail. He was accused of having narcotics and a gun in his possession.
According to the confessional, the resident of Nebraska enjoys the "adrenaline-rush high, knowing you could get caught." He was transferred to a different prison, yet he continues to tattoo others.
Krisna Piro "Tiny" Clarke
At barely 5 feet 3 inches tall, Krisna Pino "Tiny" Clarke is the smallest member of any crew he has been a part of, hence the moniker. Since he was 19, he had been incarcerated and was facing charges of first-degree and aggravated robbery.
He is no longer incarcerated after serving out his term. He claims to be taking care of his son and laments his life of crime.
Jordan Parkinson
Jadon Shackleford was shot and died in January 2022. Jordan Parkinson was taken into custody and charged with capital murder. However, in December of that year, according to KATV, the Little Rock police made two additional arrests. Grant Nichol and Evan Franklin were accused of first-degree murder and terrorist activities for their roles.
According to a story from Arkansas Online in 2023, Evan was identified as the individual who fired the fatal shot, with the murder allegedly linked to a botched marijuana transaction. Jordan and Grant had their charges dismissed after they collaborated with authorities to reveal Evan as the shooter. Subsequently, Jordan's release followed the airing of a Netflix series on the case.
Mason “Mayham” Abraham
Mason "Mayham" Abraham was charged with capital murder on October 18, 2022, in Little Rock, Arkansas, in connection with an event. On May 24, Mayham, alongside Ferrod McCoy, was taken into custody on charges of murdering Broderick Bluford.
On October 18, the victim was discovered shot; he subsequently died in the hospital. The Netflix cast member is awaiting trial after Mayham and Ferrod were also accused of shooting a firearm from a moving vehicle without permission.
Daniel Thorr Gatlin aka Crooks
According to Crooks aka Daniel Thorr Gatlin, his father's death in a vehicle accident was a turning point in his life. According to Crooks' sister, he has spent most of his adult life in and out of jail.
The documentary also featured Juanita Gatlin's meeting with him. She claimed at the time that the prisoners had benefited from the experiment. She did, however, note that not everyone may have benefited from the series after it aired.
Following her brother's release from Pulaski County jail, Juanita claimed he had a fresh sense of purpose in his life. She stated that he aspires to talk to people about his experiences and build a transitional home.
After checking into a Florida recovery facility, Crooks' situation appeared to be improving, but he is now back in jail. A Florida-based CBS station reports that Crooks was taken into custody in January on charges of cocaine trafficking and sale.
He allegedly attempted to sell meth to an undercover police officer before confessing to detectives that he was obtaining the narcotics from Mexico, according to the police. According to Juanita, her brother is still holding out hope that he will eventually break the cycle.
David Miller
David Miller, a former night shift restaurant manager, was accused of domestic assault. Some of his fellow inmates didn't always see eye to eye with him; one referred to him as a “f*****g alien from a different planet”.
When it was discovered that he had a shank, he was removed from the experiment.
Tyler Bancroft
Shortly before January 29, 2023, filming began, Tyler Bancroft was placed under custody. He was accused of resisting arrest and possessing drugs. According to the first episode of the show, he's also rejecting the experiment's concept.
Who is Arkansas Sheriff Eric Higgins in 'Unlocked: A Jail Experiment'?
The vision of turning Little Rock, Arkansas's Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility, into a community centered around the inmates was spearheaded by Sheriff Eric Higgins. The purpose of this project is to investigate if increasing the autonomy and responsibility of inmates may result in a more tranquil jail population.
Who is Chief Hendricks in 'Unlocked: A Jail Experiment'?
Because of the seriousness of the convicts' circumstances, Chief Hendricks, who oversees the sheriff's office's detention division, admits in the confessional that he was "somewhat concerned" about Chief Higgins' proposal.
Who is Captain Calvin in 'Unlocked: A Jail Experiment'?
Captain Calvin is present at the meeting before the jail doors of the detention facility are opened.
"Somebody is [going to] take control," she added, adding that many pod bosses are necessary if the prisoners are to live in harmony inside the prison.
'Unlocked: A Jail Experiment' is available on Netflix for streaming in its entirety.