NCJ Number
112034
Journal
Lawrence Eagle-Tribune Dated: (December 6, 1987.)
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A survey by the Lawrence Eagle-Tribune (Massachusetts) compared other States' inmate furlough practices with those of Massachusetts regarding first-degree murderers sentenced to life without parole.
Abstract
The survey was occasioned by Massachusetts' granting 10 home furloughs to William Horton, Jr., with the last furlough involving an escape to Maryland, where he held a couple hostage for 11 hours, raping the woman twice at gunpoint and repeatedly stabbing her fiance. Forty-five States and the Federal prison system reported that an inmate with Horton's sentence would not have been released on a weekend pass under their furlough criteria. Horton might have been granted a furlough in four other States: Connecticut, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Texas. These States do not have a life-without-parole sentence. Horton's only hope of any form of release in most States would be through a commutation of his sentence by the governor. Massachusetts corrections officials said approval of Horton's furlough requests was 'routine' and according to 'proper guidelines.' There is currently a bill before the Massachusetts legislature to ban furlough for inmates convicted of first-degree murder. A State-by-State listing of furlough policies for first-degree murderers.