Tattoos are commonly used among criminals to show gang membership and record the wearer's personal history—such as his or her skills, specialties, accomplishments and convictions. They are also used as a means of personal expression. Certain designs have developed recognized coded meanings. The code systems can be quite complex and because of the nature of what they encode, the tattoo designs are not widely recognized.
Cristian Fernandez has been incarcerated since March of 2011. He faces two separate trials – one of which carries a mandatory life without parole sentence if he is convicted. Cristian is 13 years old today, but he was barely twelve when he was arrested and subsequently indicted on first degree murder and aggravated child abuse by Florida State Attorney Angela Corey. The combination of charges allows Corey to seek life without parole, while eliminating the requirement that she prove Cristian intentionally caused his brother’s death.
A Porcupine on display during the PBS portion of the 2010 Summer TCA Press Tour at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 5, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)