Va. man convicted of killing police officer in 1979 gets parole
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia officials have granted parole to a man convicted of killing a police officer in 1979, the state Parole Board confirmed Tuesday.
The board voted Friday to release Vincent Lamont Martin, 64, from the Virginia Department of Corrections, board chair Adrianne L. Bennett told the Richmond-Times Dispatch.
Martin was sentenced to life in prison more than 40 years ago in the slaying of Richmond patrolman Michael P. Connors, who was shot four times in the head during a traffic stop, news outlets have reported.
Bennett said three co-defendants gave conflicting testimony that contributed to Martin’s conviction at the time. Those co-defendants were also convicted in the case, but completed lighter sentences in the 1980s and early 1990s, she added.
Richmond Police Chief William Smith has since called for an “impartial body” to review the board’s process, saying it excluded evidence in its evaluation of the crime, The Times-Dispatch said.
The Virginia Association of Police Chiefs also denounced the decision in a letter Tuesday and urged the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney to prevent Martin’s release.
Bennett responded that the board complied with all policies and its decision was final. She said the Commonwealth’s Attorney does not have authority to overturn the ruling and argued that Martin demonstrated leadership and good behavior during his 40 years in prison.
It was unclear when Martin was set to be released.
