Wait a minute! This guy has to be dead since he was released AFTER serving a life sentence, according to the headline.
Maybe they let him out because he was stinking up the joint!;)
I don't know the specifics for North Carolina, but in Texas...a life sentence is 60 years. If the convict is given a sentence more than 60 years, it can be reduced to 60.
A man I helped prosecute was given 85 years in Texas, his sentence was reduced to 60 years, and he had to do a minimum of 1/4 of that sentence because I proved he used a weapon against me and I was in fear for my life. He has done about 14 1/2 years...he goes before the parole board on Dec 23rd.