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Inmate serving life asks Michigan gov. for freedom |
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Written by administrator
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Dec 19, 2008 at 03:12 AM |
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By DAVID EGGERT
BLACKMAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - Efren Paredes Jr. wasn't old enough to
drive when he was sentenced to life in prison without parole for
murdering his boss.
Now 35, he has an outside chance at freedom after proclaiming his
innocence for almost two decades.
The possibility is a nightmare for the victim's family, who thought his
killer would die behind bars. But it means hope for Paredes and
supporters who say he was wrongfully convicted because of a rush to
judgment, an unfair trial and slanted media coverage.
The decision rests with Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who under the state
constitution can commute criminal sentences. She likely will give weight
to whatever recommendation comes from the Michigan Parole Board, which
recently held an emotional, nine-hour public hearing on Paredes'
clemency request.
"I will not take responsibility for a crime I did not commit," Paredes
told parole board members. "I never will do that even if it meant I
could leave today."
Grocery store manager Rick Tetzlaff, 28, was shot to death March 8,
1989, during a robbery at Roger's Foodland in St. Joseph, in
southwestern Michigan. Paredes was a 15-year-old part-time bagger at the
store who had no criminal record before his arrest.
The hearing before the parole board drew more than 140 people. Somber
police and prosecutors who worked the case, along with Tetzlaff's
tearful family and friends, traveled hours to testify against Paredes'
release.
A large group of supporters came out for Paredes, including family, a
Lansing radio host, Michigan State University Latino students, peace
activists and a private investigator who has helped free innocent people
from prison.
While commutation proceedings have become more common in the governor's
second term, few - if any - have gained as much attention.
More than just about Paredes' guilt of innocence, the case has become a
referendum of sorts on whether convicts should get mandatory life
sentences without parole for crimes committed before age 18. Paredes is
among more than 300 juvenile lifers in Michigan's 49,000-inmate system.
Advocates see Paredes as an inspirational figure who made the best of
prison by earning a GED, becoming a teacher's aide, writing poetry and
transcribing textbooks into Braille. Paredes wants to start a Braille
transcription business if he is freed.
"Please don't sacrifice this man's future to cover up the mistakes of
the justice system," said Joyce Gouwens, who has served on a county
juvenile justice task force.
Opponents see Paredes as a cold-blooded monster with a comfortable
upbringing who would be a threat to society.
"I'm angry I have to be here," said Tina Tetzlaff, Rick's wife, who was
pregnant with their second child when her husband was killed.
She acknowledged Paredes is making strides in prison but told the parole
board her two sons grew up without their dad, afraid of the world and in
need of psychological treatment. She said Paredes should serve his full
sentence.
Prosecutors argued that mandatory life without parole for first-degree
murder is Michigan's promise to victims' families, a trade-off for not
having the death penalty.
Chairwoman Barbara Sampson said the parole board has no authority to
exonerate Paredes. Instead, it will address questions typical in parole
and clemency cases: Does the punishment fit the crime? Does a prisoner
pose a risk to society? Has he or she made progress in prison?
Board members usually want to see remorse. But Paredes has repeatedly
said he's innocent, leading an assistant attorney general and board
members to spend much of the hearing probing evidence.
They heard competing versions of Tetzlaff's death.
Prosecutors said Paredes planned and executed a "thrill kill." He was
the last worker to punch out before the after-hours shooting. A teen who
served time for his role in the crime told jurors he picked up Paredes
from the store after Paredes shot his boss and took $11,000 in cash and
checks.
But Paredes' mother said he was home at the time of the murder,
insisting she saw Tetzlaff drop off her son before returning to the
store. Supporters said those responsible for the crime lied, cut deals
and blamed Paredes to save themselves.
Paul Ciolino, a Chicago-based private investigator who was hired by
Paredes' family and has helped free five men from Illinois' death row,
called his case a "classic" wrongful conviction.
The trial ended 3 1/2 months after Paredes' arrest. Paredes said he had
an inept lawyer who didn't investigate on his behalf or counter negative
pretrial publicity coming from law enforcement.
The jury foreman was a co-worker of the victim's wife's aunt. Paredes
alleged the foreman persuaded other jurors who initially voted 9-3 for
acquittal. State and federal courts have upheld the conviction.
Paredes' backers want age to be a factor in the governor's decision. He
was 16 when he was convicted.
"I could have turned out to be the person others have tried to make me
out to be," Paredes said. "I'm asking for a second chance to reclaim my
life."
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