I’m sorry, but this man needs to stay behind bars. Reading through the rest of the article outlines other examples of killers, including one of a county sheriff during an escape attempt, served 20 – 25 years and are now paroled.
This is wrong. Life should mean what it is.. Life.
Nearly 30 years ago, prosecutors assured Stephanie Manley that the day would never come when the man who pleaded guilty to the murder of her husband would leave prison.
But now that day is almost here. It’s Tuesday.
At her request, a judge is considering an injunction. But if the past is any guide, such a move is unlikely.
Norman Woodford avoided the risk of execution by pleading guilty to murder in connection with the 1974 slaying of Indianapolis Police Officer Ronald Manley.
Back in 1976, when Woodford pleaded guilty in a Marion County court, murderers serving life were ineligible for parole, Indiana Parole Board attorney Earl Coleman said. Only the governor could grant them freedom.
In 1979, lawmakers changed the rules, Coleman said, and gave Woodford and many other convicted killers serving a single life sentence a chance at parole. [Indianapolis Star]