Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA
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The Second-Degree Sentencing Deadline Has Passed. What Happens Now?
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The Supreme Court ruling does not apply yet to those already serving prison time for the crime.
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Lawmakers Remain at Odds Over Unconstitutional Murder Sentences as Victims, Attorneys Fear Inaction
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Attorneys and victims’ families prefer a legislative solution over the potential chaos of judges deciding individual cases over years.
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Lawmakers Break Without Addressing Unconstitutional Murder Sentences, Leave 1K Pa. Lifers in Limbo
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Prosecutors and advocates are split over whether mandatory minimums or maximums are the best way forward for second-degree murder sentencing.
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Services for Crime Victims Face Funding Cuts After Drop in White-Collar Prosecutions Under Trump
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Funding for services for crime victims comes primarily from fines and penalties paid by those convicted of white-collar crimes.
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Pa.’s First-Ever Investment in Public Defense Allowed Offices to Hire Attorneys, Improve Case Management
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But the $7.5 million annual investment wasn’t enough to fix long-standing issues with the struggling system.
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Pa. Supreme Court Strikes Down Mandatory Life Sentences for 2nd-Degree Murder Convictions
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The outcome could fundamentally change the lives of more than 1,000 people currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole.
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Shapiro Pick for Board of Pardons Wins Pa. Senate Approval Despite Opposition From Public Defenders, Clemency Advocates
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Opponents to John O’Brien II’s nomination say the doctor’s work as a state witness disqualifies him for the role.
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Shapiro Pick for Board of Pardons Vacancy Opposed by Clemency Advocates
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John S. O’Brien II served as an expert witness in the Jerry Sandusky and John du Pont cases.
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Shapiro Leaves Board of Pardons Seat Empty After Concerns Over Member’s ‘Inappropriate’ Questioning
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Outgoing member John Williams faced criticism from advocates after asking sexual questions and consistently voting no against pardons and commutations.
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Mental Health Care Workers Face Too Many Needs and Not Enough Money on the Front Line of Pa.’s Self-Made Crisis
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Mental health providers often know what works for the people they serve. But there’s not enough resources to help everyone in need.