Iowa lifers face uncertain fates as parole hopes persist
Iowa lawmakers consider commuting life terms to allow parole in select cases, while most lifers remain in prison. The state has expanded life sentences for sex offenses, though the full impact will emerge in years. A recent history shows Death Row to life already commuted, with inmates like Nutter hoping for early release despite low odds.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Lance Horbach
R-Tama
House Justice Systems Appropriations Subcommittee
Horbach
Lifers in Iowa prisons share time, regrets, and routines
The Gazette profiles inmates serving life terms in Iowa, including Nutter who reflects on his 50 years in prison and the impact of heavy confinement. It also highlights Mary Kathleen Tyler, a 70 year old lifer at Mitchellville, describing her dormitory room, limited freedoms, and past career as a court reporter.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Brian Ray
Gazette
Mary Kathleen
Kathy” Tyler
Iowa Correctional Institution For Women
Mitchellville
Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
Iowa
Des Moines
Tyler
Iowa’s Longest Life Inmates and Prisoner Reflections
A report lists inmates including Warren “Jack” Nutter and Edward Clark with murder and violent crimes. It follows transcripts from Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, noting pay, education, and reflections on prison life. Interwoven are quotes from Gerardo Gonzalez about his life sentence and regrets.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Lifers face slim odds of ever leaving prison
The piece examines death penalties and commutations for life term inmates in Iowa, including Frederick Lewis who received a life sentence for a 1996 kidnapping and assault. It quotes Gov. Tom Vilsack and county prosecutors on how life terms function and when a lesser charge might be sought.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tom Vilsack
Bill Kutmus
Des Moines
Johnson County
J. Patrick White
Iowa
Denton
End of life sentence means death in Iowa prisons
The Gazette reports Iowa life sentences often end with inmate deaths in prison. Ralph Doughty died Jan 28 2005 at Anamosa State Penitentiary after a life term for kidnapping a 65 year old Davenport boy. Memorial services drew over 30 inmates and staff. Fort Madison inmate Jerry Emerson died Oct 2005 while serving a life term for killing his wife, with fellow lifer Warren Nutter noting the absence.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Christoph Trappe
the Gazette
Iowa
Anamosa State Penitentiary
Ralph Doughty
Davenport
Doughty
Steve Hebron
Fort Madison
Jerry Emerson
Lifer
Warren
Jack” Nutter
Emerson
Wyoming
Jones County
Nutter
Families Say Life Behind Bars Is Fair Punishment
Victims’ relatives express mixed feelings about life sentences. They note a lifer can still visit family, while the murdered never return. Teresa Ellickson’s brother Greg Wells was killed in 2002. Byrd and Keegan are serving life. Other families share similar views and memories.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Christoph Trappe
Gazette
Teresa Ellickson
North Liberty
Greg Wells
Marion
Brandy Byrd
David Keegan
Shelley Razor-Markwell
Christopher Wheeler
Hiawatha
Stephens
Wheeler
Linda Sorenson
Leah Warn
Cedar Rapids
Jeffery Hass
Hass
Clarinda
Sorenson
Also Mentioned on This Page
Freeport
Ill
California
Earlville
Independence
Harold Pearce
Jesup
Sheriffs Office
Pearce
Douglas Rasmussen
Rasmussen
Iowa State Penitentiary
Frederick Lewis
GazetteOnline.com
Dwight Eisenhower
Gerardo Gonzalez
Postville
Edward Clark
Robert Hammond
Bi Leon Tice
Ronald Brewer
Anamosa
Dence
Prison Lifers
Mexico
Lewis
Dubuque
Kennedy Mall
Christoph
Trappe
Gazettecommunications.com
Iowa Department Gazette
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