The number of 'lifers' committed to prison each year in Iowa peaked at 32 admissions in 1982 and declined in 1983 and 1984. The typical 'lifer' was serving a single sentence for first degree murder; the median age at commitment was 27. Only 5 percent of the 'lifers' were women, and blacks were disproportionately represented at 22 percent. The high percentage of blacks apparently results from the high percentage of blacks committing murder. The majority of the 'lifers' sampled were low risks for future violent crime, according to the Iowa Model of Risk Assessment. Female murderers are less likely to receive life sentences than males who commit murder; of all 'lifers' paroled since 1970, the women spent the least time in prison. Since 1970, 18 'lifers' have been paroled following commutation of their life sentences. Time served prior to parole averaged 24.7 years. Tabular data and an 8-item bibliography are provided.