Girls Incarcerated Cast: Where Are They Now?

“Girls Incarcerated: Young and Locked Up” is a documentary series on Netflix that follows the lives of teenage girls in juvenile detention centers. The show gives viewers an inside look at their struggles, emotions, and hopes for a better future. It also highlights the challenges these young women face as they try to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.

Over two seasons, the show introduced several young women, each with a unique story. Some have turned their lives around, while others have faced more obstacles post-release. Many fans of the series wonder, “Where are they now?” This article closely examines the cast members from both seasons and their journeys after the show.

Recap of Girls Incarcerated

Netflix’s Girls Incarcerated is a compelling documentary series that follows the lives of teenage girls in the juvenile justice system, providing an intimate look at their struggles, aspirations, and hopes for a fresh start. The show ran for two seasons, each focusing on a different correctional facility.

Season 1: Madison Juvenile Correctional Facility

The first season, released in 2018, took viewers inside Madison Juvenile Correctional Facility in Indiana.
It followed a group of young women aged 14-18, many of whom had troubled pasts involving violence, substance abuse, and difficult family situations.
The season highlighted their friendships, conflicts, and attempts to turn their lives around through therapy, education, and personal growth.
The facility eventually closed down, making this season a unique snapshot of its final days.

Season 2: LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility

The second season, released in 2019, shifted focus to LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility, another Indiana-based detention center.
It introduced a new group of girls and explored similar themes of rehabilitation, redemption, and the challenges of reintegration into society.
Many of the girls struggled with anger management, past trauma, and making amends with family members.

Key Themes of the Show

Troubled Pasts – Many of the girls came from unstable homes, broken families, or foster care, which often contributed to their criminal behavior.
Second Chances – The series emphasized the importance of rehabilitation, showing the girls’ efforts to earn diplomas, develop life skills, and work toward a better future.
Life After Release – The show raised the question: What happens next? Many girls expressed hope for a fresh start, but the reality of staying out of trouble proved challenging for some.

The emotional depth of Girls Incarcerated made it a standout documentary, sparking conversations about the juvenile justice system, rehabilitation programs, and the cycle of incarceration that many young offenders face.

Season 1 Cast Members: Their Lives After the Show

Brianna was one of the most memorable cast members from Season 1. At 17, she had already been incarcerated for drinking, drug use, and armed robbery. She was known for her rebellious spirit but also showed signs of wanting to change her life.

After leaving the juvenile facility, Brianna embraced motherhood. She now has three children, with her youngest born in October 2023. She has been open about the struggles of being a single mother and is currently raising funds for her son Corleone, who has medical needs.

Paige McAtee

During her time on the show, Paige was known for her short temper and strong personality. She frequently conflicted with other girls but also showed a softer side as she worked toward her release.

Since leaving the facility, Paige has focused on self-improvement. She is now a mother of three boys and works as a dental assistant, lash technician, and nail technician. In addition, she is studying to become a sonographer. She appears to be in a healthy and stable relationship and has become a stepmother to two children.

Heidi Lakin

Heidi’s story was heartbreaking, as it involved a history of trauma, sexual abuse, and anger issues. On the show, she often struggled with controlling her emotions and trusting authority figures.

After her release, Heidi appeared to be doing well, even welcoming a child. She also came out as gay on Instagram. However, some reports suggest that she may have returned to prison, though no official confirmation has been made.

Aubrey Wilson

Aubrey’s story took a tragic turn after the show. While she initially seemed to be doing well post-release, she passed away on September 30, 2022. Reports suggest that she died due to fentanyl or heroin overdose. The news shocked Many fans, as she had been active on social media and appeared to be in a better place before her passing.

Taryn Twine

Taryn’s case was unique because she voluntarily requested to be incarcerated. She had been involved in a car accident that led to the death of her best friend, and she struggled deeply with guilt and grief.

After leaving the facility, Taryn has worked hard to rebuild her life. She is now a mother to a baby girl, who recently turned one year old. She has kept a low profile on social media but appears to be focused on creating a stable future for her child.

Armani Buckner

Armani was known for her strong-willed nature and leadership qualities. After her release, she faced more legal troubles and ended up back in prison. However, in November 2023, she posted on TikTok announcing that she was now “back and free,” signaling that she had been released once again.

Sarah Maxwell

Sarah had one of the most heartbreaking stories on the show. She struggled with substance abuse, introduce, and was introduced to drugs by her mother. In this difficult past, she has managed to turn her life around.

Sarah is married to Derek Robert Douthitt and has two daughters, Kelce Elizabeth and Khloe Isabella. She has become a devoted mother and seems focused on raising her family in a stable environment.

Najwa Pollard

Najwa’s story was particularly emotional because she had nowhere to go after being released, which extended her time in the facility. She had no support system outside of juvenile detention.

Since leaving the facility, Najwa has become a mother and appears to be doing well. She keeps her social media private, likely to protect her child’s privacy.

Season 2 Cast Members: Where Are They Now?

Jesse was one of the most troubled girls in Season 2, with a criminal record that included robbery and drug possession. However, after her release, she tried to turn her life around. She was even accepted into Ivy Tech Community College.

Unfortunately, in October 2023, her sister revealed that Jesse is currently back in jail with a $4,000 bond.

Tiffany Kristler

Tiffany had a violent history, often using aggression as a way to express her emotions. Her time in the facility helped her develop better coping skills, but her journey didn’t end there.

Since her release, Tiffany has reconnected with her daughter and even had another child. She works at Aeropostale and is focused on building a better future for her kids.

Zarriah Thomas

Zarriah was the youngest girl in Season 2, entering the juvenile system at 14 years old. She had a rocky relationship with her mother, and much of her storyline focused on their attempts to rebuild trust.

Since leaving the system, Zarriah has pursued a comedy career. Her social media bio states that she works at Gucci and studied at Ivy Tech Community College.

Hannah Aberegg

Hannah’s past was filled with challenges, including drug addiction and repeated incarcerations. She struggled to stay sober and faced many ups and downs.

By 2020, she had become engaged and given birth to her first child. However, there are conflicting reports about her current status, with some suggesting she may be facing addiction struggles again.

Carisa Hale

Carisa was one of the quieter girls in Season 2, but she had her struggles with the juvenile system and personal trauma. She has managed to stay out of the spotlight since her release, and very little information about her current life is available.

Success Stories & Struggles

Life after Girls Incarcerated has been a mixed journey for many of the former cast members. While some have managed to turn their lives around, others have faced ongoing struggles. Here’s a look at their successes, challenges, and how the show impacted their futures.

Success Stories: Turning Their Lives Around

💡 Brianna Guerra – One of the show’s biggest success stories, Brianna transformed her life after incarceration. She is now a mother of two and a popular YouTuber with over 130,000 followers, where she shares her personal experiences and motherhood journey.

💡 Paige McAtee – Known for her fiery temper during the show, Paige has completely turned her life around. She now works as a dental assistant, lash technician, and nail technician, while also studying to become a sonographer. She is happily raising her three sons and two stepchildren.

💡 Taryn Twine – After a heartbreaking story of losing her best friend in a car accident, Taryn has been focusing on motherhood, raising her young daughter, and staying out of trouble.

💡 Najwa Pollard – Despite having nowhere to go upon her release, Najwa has found stability in her life. She is now a mother and has been keeping her life private but peaceful.

Struggles: Challenges After Leaving the Juvenile System

⚠️ Aubrey Wilson – Sadly, Aubrey passed away in September 2022 due to a suspected overdose. Her story is a reminder of the difficulties many former juvenile inmates face when trying to reintegrate into society.

⚠️ Armani Buckner – After her release, Armani found herself in legal trouble again. She was incarcerated for a period but has since been released and is now working on a fresh start.

⚠️ Heidi Lakin – Heidi faced emotional trauma due to her past experiences of abuse. After leaving the facility, she suffered a miscarriage, adding to her struggles. However, she continues to share her story and inspire others.

Impact of the Show on Their Futures

📺 Girls Incarcerated shined a light on the struggles of young women in the juvenile system, giving them a platform to share their stories. Some of the girls have used their time on the show as a motivation to break the cycle of crime, while others have continued to face challenges.

The show brought awareness to the issues within the juvenile system and the importance of rehabilitation.
Some cast members gained social media followings, allowing them to share their journeys and inspire others.
Others struggled with life after incarceration, highlighting the need for better support systems for young offenders.

While their paths have been different, the young women of Girls Incarcerated continue to show resilience in the face of adversity.

Final Thoughts

“Girls Incarcerated” was more than just a documentary. It was a raw and emotional look at the realities of the juvenile justice system. While some cast members have successfully turned their lives around, others have continued to struggle.

For many of these young women, their past does not define their future. Some have found stability in family life, while others continue to work through personal challenges. Their stories remind us that rehabilitation is a journey, not a destination.