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« Pats-Dolphins Dec. 23 matchup moves to later start | Today | Slipping and sliding on the sidewalks of Providence » December 10, 2007Hammer murderer denied fourth request for paroleCRANSTON -- Convicted murderer James “Jamie” Hughes III will remain behind bars for at least another three and a half years, the state Parole Board ruled today. The board rejected Hughes’s request for parole because of the “heinous nature” of his crime. The 55-year-old inmate received a life sentence in 1983 for beating North Kingstown furniture dealer Howard “Zeke” Harris to death with a hammer. The 79-year-old shop owner collected Bibles, befriended children and sold used beds, chairs and couches to Navy families and others. At today’s parole hearing, Kay Cutting said Hughes showed a “callous disregard for human life” when he took her father’s life. On that day her family also received a life sentence, she said. The board rejected Hughes’s request for freedom – his fourth since 1992 – but also noted that Hughes has “taken steps” toward his rehabilitation. The inmate, the board said, is “significantly more forthcoming in the admission of his guilt.” He also told the board he has a place to live outside prison, the board said. But Cutting and others remained unconvinced of Hughes’s rehabilitation. Krista Brown reminded the board that Hughes left her grandfather “in a pool of blood.” Brown, who was 14 at the time of the murder, said she can’t stop the grisly scene from playing “over and over” in her mind. “I just wish it would go away,” she said.
Two law enforcement officials also spoke in support of Cutting’s plea that Hughes remains behind bars. “We don’t oppose every parole request,” said Deputy Attorney General Gerald J. Coyne. But the killing of Harris was “an absolutely senseless murder,” Coyne said. “This was a true random violent act.” North Kingstown Police Chief Edward A. Charboneau also asked the board to deny Hughes’s request. Charboneau said he saw Hughes after he was charged with the murder of Harris. “I looked into his eyes in 1982,” he said. “Those are the eyes of a killer.” Hughes is now imprisoned at the Old Colony Correctional Center in Bridgewater, Mass. Posted by Andrea Panciera Commentsmichelle | February 22, 2008 5:14 PM link Post a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006
I remember this as if it were yesterday.I was very young when it happened It's very sad. I think Hughes should remain in jail for life. Reguardless if he has changed- he's still a killer. To take an old mans life with a hammer is sick. Hughes should be thankful that he has not been sentenced to death.