Kalief Browder was imprisoned in New York City’s Rikers Island prison complex for three years, awaiting a trial that never came. He was just sixteen years old when he was picked up by the New York City Police Department as he walked home from a party. Browder was accused of stealing a backpack, but no physical evidence tied him to a robbery and he steadfastly maintained his innocence.

Browder spent the majority of his time at Rikers in solitary confinement. Like many people charged with petty crimes he was offered several plea deals, but refused to plead guilty to a crime he swore he did not commit. Solitary confinement, and beatings at the hands of guards and other prisoners, took a massive psychological toll on the young man. He attempted suicide several times, once just a few months before he was released in May 2013.

After his release, Browder suffered severe bouts of paranoia and depression. Just six months after he came home, he tried to kill himself again, resulting in hospitalization. Despite these challenges, he was working hard to put his life back together. He agreed to share his story with Jennifer Gonnerman at the New Yorker, which led to television appearances and help with his tuition at Bronx Community College.