|
|
| |
| Mon, Dec. 1, 2008 |  |
 |
|
||
| |
Board recommends clemency for murderer Friday, Oct 12, 2007 By Rob Moritz Arkansas News Bureau LITTLE ROCK - The state Parole Board recommended executive clemency Thursday for a prison inmate sentenced to life without parole for a double homicide in Pine Bluff nearly 30 years ago. The recommendation in the case of inmate James W. Robinson was among nine clemency requests the parole board recommended with merit. Three others were not recommended. Robinson, 65, was convicted of capital murder in 1981 in the 1978 shooting deaths of his girlfriend, Linda Sue Williams, and her mother, Dora Jackson. The two were gunned down in a discount store parking lot. The parole board recommended that Robinson's sentence be reduced to 30 years in prison. The recommendation will be forwarded to Gov. Mike Beebe in 30 days, following a public notice period. In his application for clemency, Robinson said he was married at the time of the crime and having an affair. Since the shootings, he said he has "learned how precious life is, and I would to live a productive life being free to help others as well as my family and friends." According to the executive clemency interview worksheet and other documents, four of the six parole board members were impressed with Robinson's friends and relatives, including his fianc?, who testified on his behalf. They also noted Robinson has completed an anger management course, a Bible course, speaking dynamics class and the prison system's Principles and Applications of Life Skills Program. He also has completed the Institute in Basic Life Principals provided through prison ministry. Parole Board member John Felts voted against the clemency recommendation, saying that the sentence was not excessive. Another board member, John Belken, did not participate in the case. |
