We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Missouri inmates have chance at release after court ruling

gavelJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — More than 80 Missouri inmates sentenced to life in prison as teenagers have a chance at freedom following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

The high court ruled Monday that its 2012 ruling banning mandatory life without parole sentences for juvenile murderers applies to those previously convicted.

The ruling says inmates must be given a chance at release. That could either mean a resentencing or a chance at parole.

A spokeswoman says the Missouri attorney general’s office is reviewing the ruling.

The ruling came as state lawmakers are again pushing to change Missouri law on juvenile sentencing to come into compliance with the 2012 ruling.

Sen. Bob Dixon says Missouri has no alternative sentence that’s constitutional for minors convicted of first-degree murder other than life in prison without parole.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File