Tide growing against convicted killer
More troops are joining the fight to keep a convicted killer behind bars, an Oklahoma County prosecutor said Monday.
Assistant District Attorney Suzanne Lister said a number of murder victim Nancy Heuring’s friends have contacted her since a story about Dedra Wilhite’s bid for parole was published in The Oklahoman on Sunday.
Lister said they are now adding their voices to the chorus protesting the prospect of early release for Wilhite, 30, who has served less than half of her 35-year term for second-degree murder.
Wilhite pleaded guilty to helping a friend kill Heuring in 1994 when both teenagers were employed as caretakers for the former state Department of Human Services worker, who suffered from multiple sclerosis.
Co-defedant Carie Walker was denied parole earlier this month when Heuring’s nephew, former Olympic diver Kent Ferguson, joined prosecutors to protest her bid for early release.
Wilhite was cleared for early release by the parole board in November, leaving it to Gov. Brad Henry to decide whether she should get out of prison.
Lister said Heuring’s friends are writing letters urging Henry to keep Wilhite in prison.
Paula H. Cortner, president of the Oklahoma chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, has done the same.
Nancy Heuring had few options for care,” Cortner wrote, “and the senseless violent tragedy that occured is unsufferable to all Oklahomans.”
The governor has not ruled on Wilhite’s bid for parole.
Thank you for joining our conversation on WatchDog. We encourage your discussion but ask that you stay within the bounds of our commenting and posting policy.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment