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.
