“... and the family still suffering the loss?”
While I’m sure the family is still suffering the loss, they actually forgave the defendant long ago and asked that she not receive the death penalty. At the time, Indiana law did not have a provision for life without parole. The maximum sentence for Murder was 60 years, with credit and good time credit the sentence was cut in half.
I was a young deputy prosecutor when the crime was committed and can still recall the case as it went through the courts.
I have little expectation that Paula Cooper will ever be a productive citizen, and if making book at a casino, would bet that she commits a new crime before the year is out. Regardless, she served the sentence required by the law at the time.
“I have little expectation that Paula Cooper will ever be a productive citizen”
That’s right. She’ll get all kinds of welfare and free stuff from the government. Hell, here in NY they give full Section 8 housing, food stamps, Medicaid, etc. to sex offenders when they are released from prison.
I always find it interesting when family members forgive people who murdered someone else. How can you forgive someone who didn’t murder you? Also, does the person have to apologize to be forgiven?