True crime enthusiasts across the UK are flocking to Netflix to stream the second season of the compelling documentary series, Unlocked: A Jail Experiment. The show, which films inside American prisons, continues to captivate audiences with its raw look at an unconventional rehabilitation programme.
The Sheriff's Radical Vision
The series documents Sheriff Ross Teeple's bold initiative at the Pinal County Detention Center. His brainchild was to grant a group of inmates unprecedented autonomy, allowing them to self-govern in an effort to foster responsibility and improve behaviour. The experiment, which began in the first season, aimed to move beyond simply locking people away for 23 hours a day.
While the new season shows that the path was not smooth—highlighting issues with contraband, racial tensions, and power struggles—it also suggests many participants demonstrated genuine potential for positive change. The series has been climbing Netflix's charts, with viewers praising the innovative approach on platforms like IMDb.
Where Are the Key Participants Today?
Fans of the show are keen to know what has become of the central figures featured in season two. Here is an update on where some of the main cast members are now.
Sheriff Ross Teeple
Ross Teeple, who started his career in the US Navy before finding his calling in law enforcement, was elected as the 25th Sheriff of Pinal County in early 2025. He remains a respected figure who continues to oversee the jail experiment. According to reports, he believes the project succeeded by giving inmates incentives to earn support from loved ones, leading to better conduct. Outside of his work, Teeple is said to be passionate about animals and travel.
Ronald 'AO' Dunmire
Ronald Dunmire, known as AO, is currently serving his sentence at the Arizona State Prison Complex - Yuma. His anticipated release date is 11 April 2030. The documentary showed him returning to prison to complete the final five years of his term. He has enrolled in work and self-improvement programmes, including a job as a groundskeeper, and follows a strict fitness regimen to manage his anger. His stated goal is to rebuild relationships with his four children upon release.
Elwood "Woody" Murphy Jr.
Woody, now 40, is detained at the Lewis Corrections Department in Buckeye, Arizona, with a release date set for 30 July 2032. His life derailed due to drug involvement, but the documentary confirms he has remained sober and rebuilt connections with his family, including his three daughters. He holds several jobs within the prison to maintain structure and has expressed a readiness to "experience life" positively upon his release.
Ronald "Irish" Stricklett
Now in his sixties, Ronald Stricklett is also at the Lewis Corrections Department. He is scheduled for release on 18 November 2026. Determined to turn his life around, he is clean and has participated in prison work schemes like the New Beginnings Through Peers programme. The series noted he was embracing a new attitude, famously stating he wanted to be a "Panda bear" instead of a "Grizzly" when he gets out.
Shane "Hondo" Tipton
Shane Tipton's story is one of notable rehabilitation. After getting sober in Pinal County, he learned of the John Volken Academy, a two-year residential programme that teaches life skills. He successfully petitioned a judge to transfer him to the academy, where he remains today, working to re-enter society as a self-sufficient individual, despite the sacrifice of being away from his family.
A Documentary Sparking Conversation
Unlocked: A Jail Experiment continues to provoke discussion about prison reform, rehabilitation, and the potential for change within the justice system. The updates on the inmates show a mixed picture of ongoing incarceration and personal transformation, underscoring the complex realities the series explores. Both seasons are available to stream on Netflix now.
