Death Row at 16: The Wild Journey of Charles Victor Thompson

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Charles Victor Thompson 00999306
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
PO Box 660400
Dallas, TX 75266-0400

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00:00:00 - 00:00:31
Intro & Viewer Discretion Warning

Opening disclaimer about explicit language.

Host Jason Bost introduces "Behind the Bars" and its mission to share prison stories.

00:01:08 - 00:01:42
Introducing Charles Victor Thompson

Overview of Thompson’s crimes: 1998 double murder, hiring hitmen, and 2005 escape.

Capture in Louisiana and current status on Texas death row.

00:01:42 - 00:02:15
Thompson’s Escape from Harris County Jail

Details of the forged ID, impersonation of an investigator, and nationwide manhunt.

00:02:15 - 00:02:56
Thompson’s Early Criminal Behavior

First-person account of juvenile detention, suicide watch, and early escape attempts.

00:02:56 - 00:03:56
Failed Escape & Legal Consequences

Recounting a botched escape with an accomplice, keys stolen, and courtroom reactions.

00:03:56 - 00:04:45
Colorado State Hospital Incident

Forced mental evaluation, another escape attempt, and violent restraint by staff.

00:04:45 - 00:06:10
Plea Deal & Juvenile Corrections

Prosecutor’s plea offer: 1 year in juvenile corrections vs. 25 years in prison.

Acceptance and transfer to Lookout Mountain School for Boys.

00:06:10 - 00:09:44
Life at Lookout Mountain School

Vocational training in food services under chef Mike Pudo.

Description of the facility’s harsh environment and inmate demographics.

00:09:44 - 00:11:22
Post-Release Struggles

Emancipation at 18, parole, and transitional housing program.

Early jobs, relationships, and financial independence.

00:11:22 - 00:12:43
Career in Carpet Cleaning

Work as a carpet cleaner, apartment life in a rough neighborhood, and car ownership.

00:12:43 - 00:14:26
Marriage & Family Pressures

Marriage to Tammy, pregnancy, and parental expectations.

Relocation to Texas and entry into business college.

00:15:48 - 00:16:42
Parental Support & Early Parenthood

Parents’ move to Texas, financial aid, and studio apartment life.

00:16:42 - 00:17:26
Career Shift to Air Duct Cleaning

Transition to HVAC work with Iranian employers.

Technical details of industrial cleaning equipment.

00:17:26 - 00:18:14
Substance Abuse & Family Strain

Alcoholism, marijuana use, and marital conflicts.

Tammy’s disapproval and parenting challenges.

00:18:14 - 00:19:00
Prison Life: Super Bowl Viewing

Thompson describes makeshift TV setup in his cell during the Super Bowl.

00:19:00 - 00:20:16
Cell Setup & Daily Survival

Detailed account of cell furnishings, commissary hacks, and coping mechanisms.

00:20:16 - 00:21:34
Family Estrangement

Estrangement from daughter and son.

Emotional toll of the death penalty on families.

00:21:34 - 00:22:57
Marriage & Fatherhood in Texas

Courthouse wedding, Catholic guilt, and early parenthood struggles.

00:22:57 - 00:24:30
Carpet Cleaning Career & Independence

Rapid career advancement, financial stability, and move to Houston’s outskirts.

00:24:30 - 00:25:21
Meth Addiction Downfall

Introduction to meth, spiral into addiction, and loss of family/job.

00:25:21 - 00:26:06
Impact on Children

Son’s rejection (“My dad is already dead”) and daughter’s silence.