Richard Sharp Shelton is seeking a new sentencing hearing.
Shelton, as you may recall – was sentenced to life without parole, following his conviction in the murder and robbery of Jerry Neal Burt at the victim’s home in Geraldine back in 2010.
According to WAFF TV48, on Monday, Shelton’s attorneys argued for a new sentencing hearing for him – in light of the fact that a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling says that juveniles convicted of capital offenses can be given lighter offenses and are due a sentencing hearing but prosecutors in the case argue that the ruling came after Shelton’s sentencing, and the law is not retroactive.
Shelton – who was 17 at the time – was one of two individuals convicted of the crime. The other was Billy Ray Justice, who is currently serving two life sentences.
Shelton was determined to have been the shooter in the case.
The judge in the case did not immediately issue a ruling and has taken the case under advisement
(WAFF TV48)