'Love After Lockup' couples Then and Now: A look at how post-prison romances panned out
'Love After Lockup' stars Then and Now: Inside couples' post-prison relationships
The We TV reality TV show 'Love After Lockup', which premiered in January 2018, explores the lives of couples who met while one or both of them were in prison, looking into their relationship outside of a prison cell. Usually, the stories begin with the release of the prisoners, as they learn to survive and work in a free society without any obstacles. But few romances endure when they are forced to deal with the realities of living together and are exposed to the outside world. Naturally, once the show has aired, fans are often left questioning the whereabouts of the couples. While some tried hard but called it quits, a few are still together, leading happy lives, beginning families, and cherishing the love they have for each other. Let's look at how things are going for some of the couples who appeared on the show.
Andrea Edwards and Lamar Jackson
As a follower of the Mormon faith, Andrea insisted that Lamar marry her and make her an honest woman after he was freed from prison. She and her three children relocated to LA, where he married her, as Lamar was unable to relocate to her Utah house. Since then, they have been heavily involved in the spinoff series 'Life After Lockup', wherein they disclose that Andrea's youngest child is Lamar's, having been born during a covert liaison while he was imprisoned. After facing some hardships in Los Angeles, the family moved to Africa for a fresh beginning and Lamar was excited about the decision even though he failed to embrace Andrea's religion. As of February 2023, it is unclear how things stand between them, however, they might still be together.
Brittany Santiago and Marcelino Santiago
One of the beloved finales of 'Love After Lockup' was that of Brittany and Marcelino in Season 2. The inmate and the professional poker player were romantically involved through the pen buddy program offered by the prison in Nevada. After successfully establishing a life together in Las Vegas, Marcelino proposed to Brittany on the famous strip. By the time of the couple's wedding, which was featured after Season 2, Brittany was expecting their daughter, Zoila. Although Brittany's Instagram page still features Marcelino in a highlight reel titled "True Love," she hasn't shared a picture of herself with her spouse since May 2022, as per In Touch Weekly magazine.
Lacey Whitlow and Shane Whitlow
Initially engaged to another convict John Slater, 'Love After Lockup' Season 2's Lacey began dating Shane while he was incarcerated. Subsequently, Lacey and John formally dissolved their relationship so that she could be with Shane, who was freed before her former partner. From breakups over supposed cheating to the happy arrival of a new baby, their relationship has been hot and cold ever since. And, Lacey seems to have briefly reconciled with John. Unfortunately, Lacey and Shane called their quits once more in December 2021. As of February 2023, it appeared that Lacey was still single.
Kristianna Roth and John Miller
John and Kristianna from 'Love After Lockup' Season 3 had to overcome several challenges in their relationship before achieving their happily ever after. On the day she was released, John even proposed to her in front of the prison's gate. An hour later, they were married, and then they hurried her to the halfway home to prevent her from violating her parole. John and Kristianna were thrilled to start their married life and often made Cameo films for the show's audience. Unfortunately, the two were never able to make their relationship work, so their account is no longer active. According to Starcasm, John and Kristianna's divorce was finalized in June 2022.
Angela Gail Ables and Tony Wood
Angela was known for spending thousands of dollars on Tony to keep her much younger partner content throughout his three-year prison sentence for gun possession. They were first introduced in 'Love After Lockup' Season 1, but it took them time to be with one another as he was only released from prison in Season 2. Even though Tony's infidelity was always a pain point in their relationship, the couple eventually married. Soon after, Angela caught him cheating once again, but later took him back under certain conditions. Eventually, they decided to part ways. In a January 2022 video update, the ex-couple explained what went wrong in their relationship and said they were "working on" a divorce.
Jessica Gipson and Maurice Gipson
Jessica and Maurice appeared to have a romance straight out of a fairy tale. When Maurice was serving his seven-year sentence, the couple got married in prison. However, he was not allowed to move to Las Vegas to live with Jessica even after his release till the completion of his parole. He moved to be with her as soon as he could and gave her the wedding she deserved. In 2020, they also started a lovely family with the arrival of a boy. However, things seemed to have grown sour as the pair called it quits in 2021. Several sources state that Jessica removed all images of her husband from her Instagram and changed her bio to just say, "Maliqs mommy," removing any mention that she is Maurice's wife.
Mary Dalla Nora and Dominic Dalla Nora
Mary and Dominic were among the few who already had a relationship before the latter was slapped with a six-year prison sentence for assault. They did, however, stay together the whole time since Mary was certain they were soulmates. He had experienced trauma during his incarceration, which caused tension in their relationship after he was released, but they were able to get past it. They moved in together and welcomed a new baby into their family after getting married after their appearance in Season 1. Having said that, their current relationship status is unknown. Some on Reddit did claim that they had broken up in February 2023 as Mary used the hashtag "single mom" in an Instagram picture from July 2022.
Britney Cruz Alvarado and Kerok Galberth
Richmond, Virginia natives Britney and Kerok seem to be going strong since they ended filming for 'Love After Lockup' and 'Life After Lockup'. The couple met one another while serving their sentences in the Fluvanna Women's Correctional Center in Troy, Virginia. While Britney was imprisoned for armed robbery, Kerok was detained for theft. In November 2023, Britney posted on Instagram to announce that she and Kerok were still dating. In an interview with the Richmond Times Dispatch in 2023, Britney discussed how she and her transgender partner Kerok were not like the romances she had seen in previous seasons of 'Love After Lockup'.
Melissa Leist and Louie
Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, natives Melissa and Louie from Season 4 seem to be still together. Melissa's Instagram bio stated, "Louie’s Girl 4eva ❤️ @louief_loveafterlockup #loveduringlockup #loveafterlockup @wetv @loveafterlockup_wetv #prisonbae #realityshow #realitytv," as of December 2023. Moreover, Louie updated his Instagram bio to "I love you @melissak_loveduringlockup," reaffirming that he and Melissa were still together.
Justine Persaud and Michael Persaud
Justine and Michael from Season 4 are still going strong. In December 2023, Justine posted on Instagram to support her partner's new song, "Gangster S**t," confirming that she and Michael—who performs under the stage name Montana Millz—were still together. With an Instagram video of them on 'Life After Lockup', Michael, for his part, also confirmed the fact that he and Justine are still dating as of December 2023.
