Among the questions Texas juries must weigh before they can impose a death sentence is whether a defendant poses a continuing threat to society. They also can consider mitigating factors, such as a defendant's age or a history of abuse. Arroyo and Little couldn't persuade their juries that they could be rehabilitated. Neither jury felt the defendant's age should spare him from death. Consequently, both men linger inside the country's best-known death row.
Young inmates awaiting execution in Texas get no special housing, no special treatment.
As Arroyo seeks solace in his newfound religion, Little has found comfort in the friendships of older inmates confined to nearby cells. He lost a good friend in December. For now, as he awaits his transfer to the state's new death row facility outside Livingston in East Texas, Little has learned to appreciate the small comforts left to him. I have a nice view of the lake and can even see the horses running around. It's all eclipsed through razor wire.