COVINGTON, Ky. – A convicted man, who was initially sentenced to death for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of a Covington woman in 1988, is now eligible for parole due to the controversial sentence reduction by former Gov. Matt Bevin. Greg Wilson, now 67, is set to appear before the state parole board for the first time on Jan. 22 for the murder of Deborah Pooley.
Wilson’s death sentence was commuted to life with the possibility of parole by Bevin before he left office in 2019, sparking outrage among Pooley’s family and friends. Bevin justified his decision by citing Wilson’s inadequate legal representation.
However, two nieces of the deceased woman are determined to keep Wilson behind bars, expressing concern for their safety if he is released. They have garnered over 6,600 signatures on an online petition urging against Wilson’s parole.
Wilson’s case has a history of controversy, as it was appealed multiple times before Bevin’s decision to commute the sentence. The reduction angered many, including Kenton Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders, who highlighted Wilson’s criminal past – which included spending 12 years in an Ohio prison and pleading guilty to 13 counts of rape – as a reason to oppose parole.
Wilson’s girlfriend and co-conspirator in Pooley’s murder, Brenda Humphrey, was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole and was released in April 2017 after serving 28 years behind bars.
The parole hearing for Wilson has reignited a contentious debate over the justice system’s handling of convicted criminals. The decision of whether to grant parole will have a significant impact on the victims’ families and the community at large.
To express opinions on the parole issue, concerned individuals are encouraged to email pbvictimservices@ky.gov. This case continues to spark conversations about the criminal justice system and the rights of the victims and their families. The parole hearing will serve as a pivotal moment in determining the fate of Greg Wilson.