Inmate at center of landmark juvenile case loses parole bid

[turbinetree]

Source: Associated Press

By REBECCA SANTANA a few seconds ago

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A Louisiana inmate whose case led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling extending the hope of freedom to juvenile offenders sentenced to life without the possibility of parole was again denied that freedom on Thursday after more than five decades in prison.

A three-member board voted 2-1 in Henry Montgomery’s favor, but parole decisions must be unanimous in Louisiana.

“It’s a tough, tough decision,” said board member Brennan Kelsey. He was the last member to vote and the only one to vote against Montgomery’s release. “Unfortunately, Mr. Montgomery, I am going to vote to deny your parole,” he said.

The board listened to Montgomery’s supporters talk about his rehabilitation in prison, from Montgomery himself who said he was “sorry” for this crime as well as emotional testimony from Hunt’s family who described in the emotional toll the killing had taken on them.

Read more: https://www.apnews.com/7e7a095c267d4eca86bf05a2f900e7c8

[marble falls]

1. This is just an end run to void the intent of the rulings and make sure Mr Montgomery ...

has a death sentence.

[maxsolomon]

2. The quality of mercy is not strained...

The quality of mercy is not strained;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
‘T is mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown:
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice.

-Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice

[Honeycombe8]

3. So sad. But honestly, what can he do outside prison, now?

He's 72. He knows nothing about how to get along in the world outside prison. Could he do okay? Could he take care of himself? There won't be any Social Security for him, so how would he survive? Does he have family who would support him and care for him?

In some ways, t's cruel to release an old person out on the streets after a lifetime in prison. But I guess he wants it, or he wouldn't apply for parole.

The whole thing is so sad.

[janterry]

4. It's not cruel at all

It's the ONE thing that every inmate - especially those that are old - wants more than anything. None of them want to die in prison.

I've never met an inmate - ever - who was so institutionalized that he did not hold on to this dream. Nor have I worked with any inmate, that I did not believe could find a way to enjoy his (or her) freedom.

[Honeycombe8]

5. In the movie Shawshank Redemption, the old prisoner killed himself....

after he was released and just couldn't adjust to life outside. All his friends were on the inside. He was used to having structure and his meals provided and such.

I've heard that some older prisoners commit another crime, so they are able to go back to prison.

It's hard to take care of yourself, after a lifetime of not having to. But if you have family to take care of you, that would make a difference.

I can't imagine committing a crime so that you get put away. Not being able to go get a burger, take a walk around the block, get a pet, all the little things you take for granted...gone. I couldn't take that.