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Family of murdered teen decries parole after 30 years

For the first time, the five men responsible for the 1996 murder of Paul Antonich are petitioning for release, as the 'Paul Antonich Amendment' mandating life without parole did not apply retroactively to their case.
On August 28, 1996, five men beat, kidnapped, and shot the Two Harbors, Minnesota, teenager after a minor traffic collision, sparking statewide calls for tougher sentencing laws.
Minnesota Department of Corrections spokesman Aaron Swanum confirmed that Lester Dale Greenleaf, 56, was granted parole in March and is on work release. Shooter John Steven Martin, 54, and Andy Leo DeVerney, 51, remain in prison pending hearings this fall.
Larry Antonich, the victim's father, told the News Tribune this month that Minnesota's definition of 'life' is "misleading," arguing the original sentencing did not ensure permanent imprisonment.
Although the 'Paul Antonich Amendment' took effect in 1998 mandating life without parole, it did not apply retroactively, leaving the family navigating ongoing parole hearings for the remaining inmates.

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