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By New Hampshire Watchdog
CONCORD — The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision blocking mandatory life sentences for minors could reopen the sentences for some of New Hampshire’s most vicious killers.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision blocking mandatory life sentences for minors could reopen the sentences for some of New Hampshire’s most vicious killers.
Annmarie Timmins reports in the Concord Monitor that there are currently four New Hampshire inmates serving sentences for murders committed before they turned 18.
The court’s decision in Miller v Alabama prevents states from imposing mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole for convicted murders under the age of 18.
The case marks an expansion of the court’s protection of youthful offenders, having already barred the death penalty for minors and life sentences for minors convicted of crimes other than homicide.
Deputy Attorney General Ann Rice tells New Hampshire Watchdog that her office is reviewing whether the case will effect New Hampshire’s most notorious murderers. She expects those inmates to ask for new sentences.
“That’s an issue that will be litigated. Whether it’s litigated here in New Hampshire or somewhere else,” Rice said.
Read more at New Hampshire Watchdog.
