Lawmakers discuss raising parole eligibility for first-degree murder convictions

Lawmakers discuss raising parole eligibility for first-degree murder convictions

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) - Several West Virginia lawmakers gathered at the state capitol Tuesday morning to discuss first-degree murder parole eligibility in the state. Currently, an inmate who is convicted of premeditated first-degree murder, with mercy by a jury, is eligible for parole after serving 15 years, but on Tuesday, lawmakers discussed raising the minimum parole eligibility to 25 years. Del. Dana Ferrell, R-Kanawha, says delegates are…

Lawmakers to raise minimum parole eligibility for first degree murder

CHARLESTON – A group of Republican lawmakers said they are dedicated to pushing through a bill next year to make it harder for those convicted of first-degree murder to get out of prison earlier.