ST. JOSEPH, Mich. (AP) — A man in Michigan who was sentenced to life in prison without parole nearly 50 years ago as a teenager may soon be released.
The Herald-Palladium reports that at 17-years-old Bobby Gene Griffin was handed Michigan’s then-automatic life without parole sentence for the 1967 murder of Minnie Peaples. The law has since changed, saying juveniles convicted of murder won’t receive mandatory life sentences.
The now 67-year-old expressed remorse in court Monday and acknowledged that he can’t reverse his actions that left Peaples dead.
Judge Scott Schofield has resentenced Griffin to 40 to 60 years behind bars, with credit for nearly 50 years. He’s immediately eligible for parole, and is expected to be released.
Prosecutor Michael Sepic says Peaples’ grandchildren have expressed disappointment in the decision.
3 comments
He planned the break in, forced his way into the house of an 84yr old woman, raped her, stabbed her in the face and beat her to death while three others robbed her house.
These were not childish hijinks, it was cold blooded and brutal murder. Justice is not served by releasing this animal at any age.
He may find out it is safer on the inside. They family might have some payback in mind.
If not I hope his next target returns him to room temperature instead of being another statistic.