News
Bills To Give Youth Killers Parole Shot Facing Opposition
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
CHARDON, Ohio (AP) — People affected by a 2012 Ohio school shooting that left three students dead are opposing two proposed laws that could give the shooter a chance at parole — something he doesn’t currently have.
One bill would allow convicted juvenile killers to become eligible for parole as early as their 40th birthday. A second would allow inmates to apply for parole after serving 35 years.
State Sen. John Eklund tells WKYC-TV the proposals were crafted in response to recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings that deemed juvenile life terms unconstitutional. Eklund says research also shows brains aren’t completely developed until around age 30.
The mothers of three students slain at Chardon High School are opposing both bills.
A spokesman for Senate Republicans says the chamber likely won’t vote on them.