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10 Celebrity Criminals Who May NEVER be Released

10 Celebrity Criminals Who May NEVER be Released
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VOICE OVER: Patrick Mealey WRITTEN BY: Victor Lund
Fame to infamy: these celebrities traded spotlights for prison cells. Join us as we examine the fallen stars facing decades or life behind bars! Our countdown includes actors, musicians, and media personalities whose heinous crimes earned them sentences so severe they may never see freedom again. From R. Kelly's 31-year sentence for trafficking to Harvey Weinstein's multiple convictions, Ryan Grantham's matricide, Tay-K's murder charges, and Suge Knight's hit-and-run case - these former stars face bleak futures in prison. Other entries include TikTok star Ali Abulaban, actor Michael Jace, and MMA fighter War Machine. Which case shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments!

10 Celebrity Criminals Who May NEVER be Released


Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re taking a look at 10 celebrity convicts who are the least likely to EVER be released from prison!


Ryan Grantham


“Riverdale” and “Supernatural” actor Ryan Grantham was seemingly on the rise with a promising career until its sudden end. In 2020, he pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of his own mother, and he was sentenced to life in prison. In Canada, this particular charge allows for the possibility of parole after a set period of time, which in this case is 14 years. Even though he’ll be eligible for parole, it’s still a life sentence, and the severity of his crimes makes it unlikely that he’ll get out.


Will Hayden


The reality television actor Will Hayden, mostly known as the star of the show “Sons of Guns,” was a former Marine and a respected gun store owner. Yet, his public image overshadowed some absolutely heinous crimes. During his trial, it came to light that he had a long history of abusing youths. Hayden was sentenced to two concurrent life sentences, and a third life sentence was added later, along with another 40 years on top. In Louisiana, his crimes carry no possibility of parole, ensuring he’ll remain in jail for the rest of his days.


Ali Abulaban


Behind the comedy skits and impressions that garnered Ali Abulaban millions of followers and views on TikTok was a horrifying secret. In 2021, he murdered his estranged wife and her friend. After being convicted of first-degree murder, Abulaban was given two consecutive life sentences, plus another 50 years to life for gun enhancements. The judge described the crimes as “cold-blooded” and noted a lack of remorse, which is why he was made ineligible for parole. It’s safe to say Abulaban will remain in prison for the rest of his life.


Kaalan Rashad Walker


You may know him as Juju in “Superfly,” but in real life, Kaalan Rashad Walker waved his freedom goodbye when he was convicted of several counts of sexual assault and violence. Authorities found that Kaalan had used his public persona on social media to lure aspiring models with false promises of career opportunities, only to assault them. A judge sentenced him to 50 years to life in a California state prison. Although his lawyer has appealed the decision, Walker’s sentence ensures that he’s likely to spend most of his remaining years behind bars.


Taymor ‘Tay-K’ McIntyre


Taymor “Tay-K” McIntyre had a brief run of fame in 2017 while he was a fugitive from the law. His song “The Race” was all about that escape, and he released it while the whole thing was happening. While his song charted on the Billboard Hot 100, his freedom was short-lived, and he ended up convicted on two separate murder charges. He was originally sentenced in 2019 to 55 years in prison for a home invasion that ended up in a murder. In 2025, he was sentenced to an additional 80 years in prison for another murder. By the time he’s eligible for parole after 30 years, he’ll have spent most of his life incarcerated.


Michael Jace


Former “The Shield” actor Michael Jace fatally shot his wife April in their home, for which he received a 40-year-to-life prison sentence. During the trial, his young son testified that he heard his father say, “If you like running, run to heaven,” right before he fired the final shot, which ended up contributing to his sentence. If he ever gets granted parole after serving the 40-year minimum, Jace will be in his early 90s. So his chances of ever being free again are pretty low, to say the least.


Jon ‘War Machine’ Koppenhaver


Once a professional mixed martial artist, Jonathan Koppenhaver, who legally changed his name to War Machine, is now known for a brutal assault on his ex-girlfriend, adult film star Christy Mack, and her boyfriend. The jury found him guilty on 29 felony counts, including kidnapping and sexual assault. Koppenhaver was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 36 years. At the time of his sentencing, he was 35, meaning he won’t be eligible for release until he’s 71 years old. By that point, it’s a distinct possibility that he’ll pass away in prison.


Suge Knight


Marion Hugh “Suge” Knight Jr., a prominent figure in hip-hop, co-founded ‘Death Row Records’ and played a key role in the careers of artists like Tupac and Snoop Dogg. He was facing life in prison after a fatal 2015 hit-and-run, which triggered the “three strikes” law as his third strike. To avoid trial, Suge took a plea deal and was sentenced to 28 years in prison. While this avoided a life sentence, he was 53 at the time, and he won’t be eligible for parole until 2034, when he’s 69 years old.


Harvey Weinstein


The once near-invulnerable movie producer Harvey Weinstein’s life came to a permanent halt with his numerous sexual assault convictions. He was first convicted and sentenced in New York, 2020 to 23 years in prison, and two years later, sentenced to another 16 years in prison in Los Angeles. While his New York conviction was overturned, he remains in prison and is currently serving the 16-year sentence. Weinstein’s health is rapidly deteriorating, and he’s been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. Because of these factors, Harvey will probably pass away in prison before he gets released.


Before we unveil our last prisoner, here are a few dishonorable mentions.


Joe Son

The MMA Artist & “Austin Powers” Actor Is Serving Life in Prison


Mel Hall

Former MLB Player Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Multiple Counts of Sexual Assault


Ian Watkins

Former Singer of Lostprophets Sentenced to 35 Years for Various Offenses Involving Children


R. Kelly


The long history of abuse and exploitation by R. Kelly finally caught up to him, and he was convicted in two separate federal trials. In New York, he was initially sentenced to 30 years in prison for racketeering and sexual trafficking. In Chicago, he was sentenced to 20 years for producing illegal content. These sentences were to run concurrently, but an additional year was added, combining for a total of 31 years. Furthermore, he’s exhausted his appeals, meaning R. Kelly won’t be eligible for parole until he’s 80 years old.


Did we miss any celebrities you won’t see outside of prison anytime soon? Let’s discuss in the comments below.

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