Juveniles sentenced to life in prison in Pa. eligible for parole
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(Harrisburg) — A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision could give more than 2,000 people serving life sentences for crimes they committed as juveniles the opportunity for parole, including hundreds of Pennsylvania offenders.
In the wake of the ruling, victim advocates are reaching out to families who may have to revisit their painful pasts.
A total of 479 offenders in Pennsylvania are currently serving life sentences for crimes committed under the age of 18.
Jennifer Storm is the Commonwealth’s Victim Advocate.
“For many of them it’s ripping off these old wounds,” she says. “They thought this part of this process is concluded and they had faith in our justice system.”
Storm says her office is working to get the latest information out to families and county offices in this time of uncertainty, and prepare them for the legal battles that may lie ahead.
WITF’s Smart Talk also took a look at the issue and its implications for the state. Listen to the show here.
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