Governor Bryan commutes life sentence of convicted murderer
US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan has commuted the life sentence of a 72-year-old convicted murderer.
Felix Perez’s commutation was announced by the governor as he addressed the Transforming Lives Academy, which recognised ten inmates who earned high school diplomas and trade certifications.
“I believe in second chances,” Bryan said before calling Perez to the podium. “Mr Perez, by the power vested in me as Governor of the Virgin Islands, I am going to commute your life sentence.”
Bryan also commuted the sentences of two more inmates for time served.
Government House said Elliston George and Stephan Hyacinth had committed themselves to self-reform and served as role models for other inmates in their respective institutions.
Perez resides at the John A Bell Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix. Convicted in 1988 for murder in the first degree.
George, 66, has served 45 years. He resides at the Keen Mountain Correctional Center in Oakwood, Virginia.
He was convicted of murder and possessing a deadly weapon in 1978 and was sentenced to life without parole.
Hyacinth, 38, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2011. He was convicted of unauthorised use of a firearm during a first-degree assault and resided at the John A Bell Adult Correctional Facility on St Croix.
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