Ex-Prison Guard Reveals Life Inside Tennessee’s Death Row | Shocking Prison Stories

[@ianbickCT]

Thank you to ROCKET MONEY for sponsoring today's episode: Visit rocketmoney.com/lockedin to cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money.

[@dorindawegwitz293]

Ian, I have never heard how you landed in prison

[@Jessesgirl0307]

Ian, please look into Skydive Sebastian. It's the most beautiful place to skydive. Skydive NJ people usually come to Sebastian in the winter to jump. They used to bring their helicopter. I jumped out of it when we had a huge party ( boogies) in the keys. I did everyone's dream jump. In the keys, helicopter on the beach at sunset jump. I'm disabled so it was very special

[@tiamarie2538]

I agree with the others commenting, if there's a handful of guests that do not want to show their face, I am absolutely still going to listen. I think it would affect things if it were every episode, but a handful here and there, I would enjoy listening to what those who are currently officers have to say. And most of the time, I'm cleaning or working and just listening anyway :) keep up the good work Ian!

[@ianbickCT]

Thanks for the support and feedback!!! I appreciate you

[@dorindawegwitz293]

Love this lad. So honest and down to earth. Great interview 👌

[@ianbickCT]

Thank you!!

[@davidbeechy1557]

Thank you!

[@wlknonsonshine]

​@@davidbeechy1557Did you happen to Nick Sutton?

[@ryanpaigeis]

TRUE STORY. in 2012 i met the unit manager for the death row unit at Riverbend. his name was Mike Slaughter. he’d been the unit manager for many years. he was an exceptionally empathetic towards the men on his unit. i never asked him if he recognized the irony of his name.

[@sarahwales6276]

Where is the irony in his name? Was he the executioner?

[@ryanpaigeis]

@ slaughter is a synonym for kill. and on the directory his name was listed as M. Slaughter. like man slaughter

[@sarahwales6276]

@@ryanpaigeis He didn't kill anyone.

[@Nick-ez7jz]

i think this guard is the most likeable and honest, that i have seen on your interviews, he seems like a really good person, someone you would enjoy having a beer with

[@ianbickCT]

Agreed!

[@davidbeechy1557]

You bringing the beer?! lol I appreciate the kindness

[@jeremywanner4526]

Ive met alot of Amish and for the most part they were cool and ,most have a great sense of humor.

[@davidbeechy1557]

@@jeremywanner4526 most do I agree.

[@JillRaby]

David, you have so much emphathy..Its beautiful to see in a fellow human being.❤

[@davidbeechy1557]

Thank you

[@rhondavoss3897]

Great interview! Ian you asked all the questions I was thinking! Really enjoyed this one❤

[@ianbickCT]

Thank you!!! Glad to hear

[@mjnelligan7288]

Ian dont be afraid to do black out videos , half us listen while were working i only watch at home im sure othwrs agree if the story is good or funny why not

[@ianbickCT]

What do you mean?

[@carlyellison8498]

He already does that, it's called "Locked In with Ian Bick" (his podcast).

[@lyrickknox9750]

@@ianbickCTthey mean people who don’t want to share their identity for whatever reason. we will still listen. most of us don’t just sit & watch, we multitask while listening. so seeing their face isn’t a big deal, just love the stories.

[@erickstanley48]

I also agree, these are my bed time stories and I always have to flip my phone over to not see the light from the screen lol (love the content keep it coming)

[@ferdiregts]

Same here😁

[@crilf5830]

Humility appreciated. Thanks guys!❤🎉🎉🎉

[@davidbeechy1557]

Thank you! Ian is a really great guy to meet in person!

[@Dan-zt5ju]

Dude seems like a really good human.Never met an Amish person but they get the basics right for development of a good solid person.whatever about the rest,there is a lot to be said for it.respect.great interview thanks for the content and story.

[@davidbeechy1557]

I appreciate the kind words!

[@LordOfThePancakes]

What basics specifically are you referring to? Plz elaborate. Or are you just making things up to sound like you know what you’re talking about…. That’s what I thought..

[@sarahwales6276]

​@@LordOfThePancakesYou can't work it out for yourself?

[@charmaineNilsson]

Great interview. You are a remarkable individual and you are no doubt destined to do extraordinary things in your Life. You’re an inspiration to many. Keep up the good work Ian.

[@ianbickCT]

Thank you so so much for the kind words!!

[@Karina42327]

First time watching your channel and I’m so glad I found it. What a wonderful interview. It’s always so nice seeing someone like this guy who’s full of compassion and mercy towards others. Thank you for this. ❤

[@davidbeechy1557]

I appreciate the kind words

[@Karina42327]

@@davidbeechy1557you’re so welcome 😊

[@garythmoxey2719]

The only time I run is for dinner 😂 That was good

[@davidbeechy1557]

Thanks! True though

[@dorindawegwitz293]

David Beechy, you are such a lovely man. Honest, funny AF in your honest story telling. I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. I think you are the type of man that DRAWS a woman’s heart in. You’re the full meal deal 🤗 Have a wonderful life with your wife and children 😎

[@davidbeechy1557]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@JenCuba]

I’m thinking the same thing! What a gem of a man.

[@tinkersmit]

Easily one of your best interviews Ian!

[@ianbickCT]

Thank you!!

[@vitashaw4126]

i really enjoyed this interview. david is really down to earth and interesting!!

[@ianbickCT]

Thank you!!!

[@jaystell314]

When a person gets authority it either affecrs them as a false HIGH and Mughty Power complex or HUMBLES people! This rings so true to me in life!

[@slaphead8835]

One of the best EVER!

[@BrandonDBaxter]

I’ve had Amish work for me on dollar stores in Illinois and they are great workers and very nice.

[@410kane]

I agree. I made a truck delivery to an Amish town and they hand unloaded each 40 lbs bag of product off the shipping container. I actually got out and helped them even though I'm not required to. They're pretty cool.

[@SilverPennyTN]

Great conversation! I’m glad I came across you

[@ianbickCT]

I appreciate you!!!

[@slisha4940]

Ian is the best!

[@ianbickCT]

Thank you!!!

[@suzeauster2223]

Great Show Ian ✨ Thank You Dave ✨ for Sharing 😊 Happy 2025 🎉 Everyone 💕

[@ianbickCT]

Thank you!!! I appreciate you

[@jaystell314]

When a person gets authority it either affects them as a false HIGH and Mighty Power complex or HUMBLES people! This rings so true to me in life!

[@chrisThomas-sx3nf]

Another great interview lan thanks

[@ianbickCT]

Thank you!!

[@annettejones7282]

Cool interview

[@ianbickCT]

🙏

[@shannonwells6916]

This is my first video of yours I watched. I can not see or Imagine that you went to prison. I love your show. A great guy you interviewed and your not so bad your self. Lol I am kidding your great as well. He is right about treating inmates like they are humans and respect the easier your job is My parents were cops in Alabama my whole life. Every inmate loved both of them They treated them like humans that just made a mistake in life.

[@davidbeechy1557]

Thank you!

[@ianbickCT]

I appreciate you!!! Thanks for the kind words and support

[@sgesumovelli65]

“Just something to fill your hole up” huhhhhhh😂

[@davidbeechy1557]

😂

[@garycoleman3054]

I like the honesty

[@davidbeechy1557]

Thank you

[@triciasingleton8800]

The Amish have done so much for the WNC flood victims! Thank you to all Amish that helped us!!

[@bobthegamer1880]

Damn was there an Amish checkbox on the job application 🤣🤣

[@davidbeechy1557]

They made one for me! Lol

[@bobthegamer1880]

@@davidbeechy1557🤣🤣

[@adambachtel9563]

You are a good person and treated everyone fair……

[@Lemonade_Stand_]

Good interview but i wish you had asked questions about the executions and the inmates behaviour leading up to their death date.

[@davidbeechy1557]

Long answer short. I wanly only present for one. Inmate Steve Henley. I was the one returning him from his last legal visit where he was told the governor will NOT intervene his execution. He was just very quiet and disconnected from then on. (Only 4 days before execution) It was as if the lights were on but nobody was home. As if suddenly nothing in this life mattered to him

[@Lemonade_Stand_]

@davidbeechy1557 were you there when they took him to execution? I think i heard they separate them a few days in advance. Were other inmates sad or show any emotion to him leaving?

[@Lemonade_Stand_]

@@davidbeechy1557 also if you ever want to talk more about leaving amish, I'm sure Shelise from Cults to Consciousness would love to hear your story. She's had a couple ex amish and mennonite on her channel but mostly women. Ps. Were you swartzentruber?

[@davidbeechy1557]

@ yes they take them to the infirmary for 72hrs before execution. There they’re monitored by 3 total officers and a medical around the clock until execution. As far as other inmates go it gets really really quiet. Like scary quiet. Some won’t go to rec yard until it’s over. Some will fast the whole 3 days It’s def a reminder to the whole unit what they’re all there for.

[@davidbeechy1557]

@@Lemonade_Stand_ I think I’ve seen her stuff? She a former Mormon..? This was my first sit down but other then the nervous I loved it!

[@SparkyonOxy175]

14 months???? Bro, the ink wasn’t even dry on your application before you bounced🤣🤣

[@mattyrolph8429]

15:27 If he grew up Amish, he would be stronger than most ppl and likely never even knew it. Like Farm boy strength x2! Competitive Sports are discouraged in most Amish sects, but hard work is mandatory.

[@davidbeechy1557]

I appreciate the confidence! But no way in hell I could take on a guy that lifts for several hours a day lol

[@Suzie_Q1989]

I’m from Ohio, but was incarcerated after being sex trafficked in Illinois…. I have so many stories lol! I feel for a lot of the kind CO’s! I’ve witnessed and been victim to abuse from CO’s. There are good ppl and bad ppl all the way around. One of the CO’s (a sergeant) got moved to the men’s units over the abuse she inflicted on me… she didn’t even write a report, spat on me, and stopped me when I was yelling for the major. I was in danger for my life, and multiple CO’s backed me up when I reported it the next day. Some amazing CO’s have changed my life and I will give them all the credit in the world! But, those that took their anger, stress and sick fantasies out on not only me, but other inmates? I will always condemn and voice that. I’ve seen a lot of 💩

[@davidbeechy1557]

I’m sorry you had a terrible experience

[@dawnmiller6899]

What a handsome guy. Dang

[@shawnwhite08sw]

If he worked death row then he worked at river bend. I worked that prison and unit in 2022. I left because the inmates are less racist than the officers

[@davidbeechy1557]

Yessir! I was only from beginning of 08 to like April I think of 09 If I had to got back and work any unit there it still be 2 though. Back then they were by far the best run

[@lauracanedo1446]

Hello David! I’m not able to watch the full video since I’m sick and taking care of a 3 year old at the same time lol, but I have a question. Did you meet Oscar Franklin Smith? His victims are buried at Woodlawn Funeral Home where my family is buried at. I’m came across their grave several years back and decided to look up their names. Such a sad, scary story!

[@davidbeechy1557]

Yes. He was kinda an odd guy. Mostly stayed to himself if my memory is correct though.

[@lauracanedo1446]

@@davidbeechy1557thank you for your reply! I thought I would ask. I know he was supposed to be executed back in 2022. My dad and I looked up the case and wow, that poor family he killed 😢

[@davidbeechy1557]

@ I don’t recall ever looking his up. It’ll get really dark reading up on some of those cases.

[@lauracanedo1446]

@@davidbeechy1557oh yes. Do you think he will be executed in the near future?

[@lauracanedo1446]

@@davidbeechy1557oh yes. Is he suppose to be executed in the near future?

[@adambachtel9563]

Thanks for the info…It seems you were fair and treated everyone as a human being..

[@davidbeechy1557]

Thank you

[@supercoolguywholikespoo]

Hey ian! I appreciate all that you do for us and i love your videos. One of your youtube shorts caught my eye though, can you help me find the video of a mexican gentleman wearing a red shirt and you guys are talking about a salvadorian gang?

[@ianbickCT]

I appreciate you! That interview isn’t up right now he had asked for it to come down.

[@cathyd.7332]

Family support in prison is rare

[@Fishflorida59]

Well, after you screw over family multiple times and continue with criminal activity they tend to give up on you 🤷‍♂️

[@cjpiper2420]

Guys not being political, is the reason this country government is in the shape it’s in

[@wlknonsonshine]

.Not necessarily true. However, look at PA, thanks to Scott Presler

[@FasterFaster196]

Exactly right.

[@kevinshay8821]

Not being able to tell people you're Amish and having that accent must have been extremely awkward

[@prayingmother]

It could have been a power thing ,he had been held down all those years but being a c.o is powerful not in a bad way but being abled to be listened to u know

[@mjnelligan7288]

41:19 hahaha i died laughing it is like that and funny it actually does bug them,

[@davidbeechy1557]

lol thanks. Prison is a crazy odd place. To put it mildly

[@coldcase5844]

he looks amish

[@davidbeechy1557]

Man after all these years I STILL hear that now and again!

[@holahovito11]

I was thinking the same

[@ConnieMcDermot]

First time listener. I really enjoyed the interview. David said a couple of times that he left because he was too lazy to want to do the job anymore. I'm betting laziness had nothing to do with it. It's a stressful, sometimes boring environment yet you always have to be on alert. You looking after and managing people who are locked up in cages. I'm not at all surprised David wanted out. It's their loss unfortunately.

[@davidbeechy1557]

Thanks

[@spacedoritos]

I always find it strange that some people have compassion towards those people on death row. For me they can be lucky to be still living at that moment. The victims don’t have that luck

[@You1Toob]

This guy seems like a solid dude.

[@davidbeechy1557]

Thanks. Unless you meant Ian 😂 He is. Hes really personable to meet

[@Coffeeeveryday89]

CO not guard. We aren’t guarding anything

[@JC-123]

As long as I get my paycheck I don't care what anyone calls me lol. I quit correcting people long ago. You're Guard to the public.

[@Coffeeeveryday89]

@ that is true we’ve been called worse lol

[@brianellis81]

That’s wild that the Amish don’t get a pass. I say that because I often see a small group of obviously teen-aged Amish kids in downtown Nashville living it up and often wonder if anyone knows they’re there 😅

[@davidbeechy1557]

The more modern ones don’t approve of it but also can’t really stop them. Kids will be kids as they say lol.

[@RhetroRP]

My brother in law spent over 10 yrs as a CO at Riverbend… the pay sucks, mandatory overtime is outrageous. He was let go bc an inmate was beat to death in the middle of the night then laid in his bed like he was sleeping, and when my BIL walked by the cell, he appeared to be sleeping,,,they let him go bc the family complained that guards didn’t go in and check on him….. so the institution is NOT on your side if you work there…. Once they get a lot of heat on them, they will throw you under the bus in a heartbeat.

[@davidbeechy1557]

But if you were to go in and wake everyone to make sure they’re alive you’d not make it through your first shift!

[@georgetterobinson01]

​@@davidbeechy1557 Exactly, some of these inmates are dead ass serious when it comes to their sleep. I live in TN and ive had two baby dads and both ended up riverbend and compared to other Prisons in TN Riverbend was by far the easiest and chillest prison.

[@KennyKlutch1217]

Hopefully he had nothing to do with the inmates death.

[@bt7528]

Isn't that the main part of there responsibility?. If your not checking if there alive what's the actual point of doing rounds? I'm sure he just did a quick glance without really caring what's going on. Just going thru the motions. You can't not do your actual job then blame the family of deceased if you get fired. 😢 if your scared to bother the sleeping inmate your in the wrong job field

[@frederickesch3773]

E-Diddy. Classic lol.

[@Hippie1elove]

I worked death row as a trustee🤣🤣

[@keithrichmond3752]

Ian don’t be afraid of black out videos I listen while I’m driving a truck at work so rarely watch anyway

[@jeremywanner4526]

Still rocking the beard

[@davidbeechy1557]

😂 thanks. I look like even more of a tweep without it.

[@DawnKratzer]

So you stumbled upon my timeline and I am in fact one of those new viewers.. however I do believe you know what you're talking about I'm just curious is there a video with your backstory. I'm generally intrigued and would like us to learn more about it if possible.

[@ianbickCT]

Appreciate you!! Yes there is one from a few weeks ago

[@DawnKratzer]

@ianbickCT you wouldn't happen to know the name of it would you. Scroll back to a back 3 4 months ago and I can't find it..

[@JessicaAzura]

such a cool guy, I like him

[@davidbeechy1557]

Thank you Unless you meant Ian 😂

[@mjnelligan7288]

Pretty sure this is yoders brother

[@davidbeechy1557]

Whoes Yoder? We may be related lol

[@redrock717]

Nah Yoders mom is still Amish and his dad has passed.

[@tadams7093]

IAN !! Will you please interview a guy that has a channel on KZbin, "Stratigic Eyes" is his channel name. He's a New York sex crimes detective, and his personality is high energy, and I know his interview would be interesting and get a TON of views! He's very passionate about what he does and I would love to see how it goes. You really are amazing at what you do, and it's only going to get better for you!❤

[@ianbickCT]

Thank you so much!! I appreciate you!! I’ll check it out

[@sarahwales6276]

What is the appeal of inflicting pain and death on an innocent animal for entertainment?

[@davidbeechy1557]

Huh??

[@sarahwales6276]

@davidbeechy1557 Hunting.

[@michaelgallagher5448]

I worked Florida’s Death Row 79-85. Got there 2 weeks before Ted Bundy. Condemned men were treated differently.

[@davidbeechy1557]

Yea Tennessee is the only state that has the level program like they do for within the units I do believe

[@Steven-rp8zo]

Fun fact, the Amish are much more healthy than the average American, have low levels of obesity, diabetics, cancer, ADHD and autism. Oh, and they also do NOT vaccinate. 🤔

[@kenn1936]

Interesting guy!

[@prayingmother]

Where i live i see alot of them oh my so they believe in the devil omg!

[@eddierobinson3775]

You sound sick on the rocket money promos 😂

[@ianbickCT]

i was!!! finally better

[@jacobh2629]

Muzzleloaders might be an option in your state. They aren't considered firearms in most places.

[@ChristopherBond-j2h]

It's talk like killing someone else's alien thing.Soldiers kill other people.Okay.And they're praised not that they shouldn't be but

[@Mfels16]

I know when I was a co in ar the food was actually decent most of the time.

[@terrybunsey8015]

Go Ohio State Buckeyes Football Championship G stuff ❤❤❤❤❤ Go

[@troyevitt2437]

Like to get the former C.O.'s take on "Banshee's" depiction of Amish life as the primary antagonist is an apostate Amish.

[@davidbeechy1557]

What is Banshee’s? Sorry I’m lost lol

[@troyevitt2437]

@@davidbeechy1557 A premium cable series about an ex-con and member of a Ukrainian-based crime ring who assumes the life of a newly-appointed Sheriff of a town in Penn on the outskirts of Amish country.

[@davidbeechy1557]

@ agh gotcha. I’ll have to look it up!

[@mardigrasqueenofthesouth8847]

Amish can make ends meet at $5/week if they have to lol

[@davidbeechy1557]

😂😂 then they need to hire all Amish!

[@JosephKinney-o6j]

Very limited time in Corrections not that it’s appropriate for any length of time but hugging a death row inmate.. My experience had he stayed longer he would be bringing contraband left and right those inmates he did extra for would use him for sure. Fortunately he realized that job was not for him. Just be firm fair and consistent..

[@0117ization]

Ok

[@Dutch1982]

So if the Amish had a choice they would choose freedom?

[@davidbeechy1557]

At least for the uber conservative ones I grew up with, If they didn’t teach you you’re doing wrong for not being Amish then yes. Brainwashing runs deep!

[@Steven-rp8zo]

It could be they do have freedom and you are the slave. They can do without a lot more stuff than the average person. That in itself is a form of freedom.

[@throughaconvictseyes8211]

Ian you can hunt with a black powder gun and a bow and arrow. I have looked into it being that I also am a felon.

[@LisaSchmedeke]

Wow Munus and is a co and makes a lot more than that and had to be fit.

[@ukrulesall1]

Ian is so disconnected with the middle class lifestyle.

[@ianbickCT]

? I grew up middle class

[@randysettimio6870]

Ian, I think felons can own black powder guns, check it out bud!

[@ianbickCT]

Thanks bro

[@courtneyfreeny4674]

U could hunt with a crossbow

[@d-lowatts2050]

@ianbickCT you should go skydiving brother....it's Alot safer than driving a car .....Been skydiving since 2008

[@bradcliff7298]

My brother was on death row on this guys block. He told me that he would make the inmates make out with each other.

[@davidbeechy1557]

😂😂 good one!

[@dannilsenphotography]

Hit up Skydive The Ranch in Gardiner, that's where I went!

[@kimberly.007]

Was the Amish Mafia real??

[@LordOfThePancakes]

The Amish mafia **is** real, and are heavily involved in organized crime in states like Iowa & Nebraska.

[@davidbeechy1557]

No. In short. No they’re not real. Are there Amish guys that are bunnies or will get revenge on their enemies? Yes. But nothing like a organized group that Hollywood tried to make that show

[@Uprightfossil]

Thanks to the Amish for helping to win this election 🇺🇸

[@David-s4f1q]

Thurd

[@charlesbeeman8323]

Lame

[@AudreySmallcombe]

The worse, most fake, interviewer I've ever seen. Great Amish guy though.

[@ianbickCT]

How?

[@mikejefe3757]

Sooo boring interview

[@manclass3]

So you took the time to comment, uh huh

[@davidbiagi2932]

Trump lets gooo!

[@ChrisM-h5u]

Gay vibes

[@davidbeechy1557]

😂😂

[@giovannimiles1]

I SUPPORT TRUMP %1000

[@hogglinebulldoggs361]

Boring as hell ✌️

[@daniel-nw5iq]

I chase adrenaline still to this day I'm not talking trash but you guys are wrong on that! you either do or you don't chase adrenaline it has nothing to do with the way you are raised

[@davidbeechy1557]

You may very well be right. But I’m still gonna find a way to make a joke out of it lol

[@bentramer4281]

Please quit asking your guests a million questions about their childhood. This is an interciew, not a therapy session.

[@ianbickCT]

Exactly it’s an interview about their life story so that’s why we start at childhood

[@jerryross3438]

Naaah.

[@raychull33]

@@ianbickCTI like hearing this part, it helps me to understand them more. Keep doing you 😊

[@realisrare420]

Literally the best part is understanding where the person came from that shaped them into the person they are today.

[@simpledamon]

Questions about this ones childhood are legit. Dude was Amish

[@gailmike2001]

The bull definitely kicked him in the head

[@DWBB-wk9sz]

This guy's story is super boring and lame. The craziest thing he saw was an inmate rubbing feces on their body and some blood running under a door. WOW. RIVETING. 😴💤🛏

[@dorindawegwitz293]

Oh my gosh, really?! I think he’s hilarious with his honestly ✌🏽

[@sadhu7191]

Lol

[@davidbeechy1557]

😂

[@pollyanna147]

don't listen then. He's talking his truth, would you rather him lie like 99% of other people on podcasts?

[@brianphillips406]

Great interview Ian. 14 months seems like a super long time in that environment. It is nice. Let you rotated pods every 30 days. But with little to know turnover in population, it would be very difficult. Imagine back to whole foods if every single day you showed up to work.Not only was it the same crew that you worked with, but it was the same customers every single day. The same requests every single day. Did you ever see the movie Groundhog Day? Yeah imagine that for fourteen months. Thanks for doing what you do.