Today On 'Anderson' -- Love From Prison

Women in Love with Prisoners

Thursday, April 05, 2012

Today, Joran van der Sloot -- the man whose name first made headlines because of his suspected involvement in Natalee Holloway's 2005 disappearance -- was sentenced to 28 years in prison after pleading guilty to the 2010 murder of Stephany Flores in Peru. Despite all of this, 55-year-old American doctor Mary Hamer claims that she is his guardian angel. The two are not romantically involved, but Hamer has paid almost $100,000 to help the confessed murderer, whom she met after his arrest for Flores’ death.

Another one of today’s guests moved across the country with her three children after getting engaged to a convicted murderer she met through a prisoner pen pal website… who will not be eligible for parole for 34 years.

Also joining the conversation is a criminologist who explains the attraction that some women have to criminals, and warns of the danger in these unconventional relationships.

Community Question: Some states have recently banned prisoners from being able to advertise on pen pal websites. Do you support the right of prisoners to be able to form this type of relationship? Join the conversation


Since the show...

Mary has received over 100 letters from prisoners around the world asking for her support. She's currently advocating on behalf of one of them. She still supports Joran Van der Sloot and continues to send care packages.