New Jersey’s highest court has ordered the parole of Sundiata Acoli, a former member of the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army who was convicted in the 1973 shooting death of a state trooper.
, a former member of the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army who was convicted in the 1973 shooting death of a state trooper.on Tuesday overturns a decision by the State Parole Board to deny parole for Acoli – who is now 85 and suffering from dementia – his supporters say. The court wrote that the board’s denial “is not supported by substantial evidence in the record or by a reasonable weighing of the relevant factors.
Since becoming eligible for parole in 1993, the parole board has denied his release eight times. His lawyers appealed his case to the state's Supreme Court, arguing he’s been a model prisoner and his health was deteriorating. In court papers, Acoli’s lawyers said their client hasn’t had any infractions for the last 25 years and had completed over 100 programs and counseling sessions and even taught a course to younger inmates about “rational thinking and emotional control.”
Acting Attorney General Matt Platkin, a Democrat whose office has opposed Acoli’s release, echoed those sentiments. In May 1973, Acoli, formerly known as Clark Edward Squire, was in the car with two other members of the Black Liberation Army – James Costan and Joanne Chesimard – when they were pulled over on the Turnpike for a broken tail light by Trooper James Harper.Trooper Foerster arrived for back-up and frisked Acoli, finding a handgun on him. A gun battle ensued that left one trooper injured and Foerster and Costan dead.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
We’re in a Different Universe Than We Were in 1973Recent events harken back to a tumultuous 1973, but women are now much more of a political force in Washington and around the country. errollouis writes on the enormous differences between that year and this one
Leer más »
Parole granted for former militant in trooper's 1973 deathA split New Jersey Supreme Court has granted parole to a former militant convicted in the 1973 death of a New Jersey state trooper
Leer más »
In major reversal, N.J. Supreme Court orders parole of man convicted of murdering state trooper in 1973Sundiata Acoli, convicted of murdering New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, is 85 with dementia.
Leer más »
Man Ordered Free in Notorious 1973 NJ Trooper Killing; Second Killer Who Fled to Cuba Still a FugitiveNew Jersey's highest court has ordered an octogenarian convicted of murdering a New Jersey state trooper nearly 50 years ago in one of the state’s most infamous crimes released from prison, reversing a parole board's decision earlier this year.
Leer más »
In major reversal, N.J. Supreme Court orders parole of man convicted of murdering state trooper in 1973Sundiata Acoli, convicted of murdering New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, is 85 with dementia.
Leer más »
Man Ordered Free in Notorious 1973 NJ Trooper Killing; Second Killer Who Fled to Cuba Still a FugitiveNew Jersey's highest court has ordered an octogenarian convicted of murdering a New Jersey state trooper nearly 50 years ago in one of the state’s most infamous crimes released from prison, reversing a parole board's decision earlier this year.
Leer más »