Michael Bell, 54, was executed in Florida on July 14. He was sentenced to death for two murders and confessed to three more. But Bell shared a chilling connection with 33 other death row inmates—they all spent time at the Dozier School for Boys.

Dozier, once called a reform school, was a place of abuse. “Michael Bell’s life was derailed by the state as a child—and then ended by the state as an adult,” said Maria DeLiberato, a Florida justice advocate. Former students reported beatings, shackling, sexual assault, and fights forced between boys. Many left with deep trauma.

At least 34 former students from Dozier ended up on death row. Another 16 came from a similar school, Okeechobee. Together, these men were later tied to 114 murders. Neuroscientists say abuse during youth can damage brain development and limit empathy.

Florida has since apologized and paid $20 million in damages to survivors—except those who ended up on death row. As more stories come to light, many question how childhood trauma shaped these tragic outcomes.