Current:Home > BackInmate wins compassionate release order hours after being rushed to hospital, put on life support-InfoLens
Inmate wins compassionate release order hours after being rushed to hospital, put on life support
View Date:2024-12-23 10:58:28
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — An ailing prison inmate serving a life sentence in Pennsylvania for killing a man during a 1975 robbery won a compassionate release order from a judge Monday, although the order came hours after he was put on life support.
Ezra Bozeman, 68, won the release order from an Allegheny County judge while on a ventilator in an intensive care unit battling sepsis because of complications from his quadriplegia, his lawyers said in a statement.
Bozeman’s petition for medical release from prison was supported by Gov. Josh Shapiro and the superintendent of the state prison at Laurel Highlands where he has been incarcerated. Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala had opposed Bozeman’s petition.
On Sunday night, Bozeman was rushed to the hospital.
Pennsylvania’s 15-year-old compassionate release law allows a judge to grant the transfer of a seriously ill inmate who is expected to die within one year to a private medical facility. His lawyers said they hoped Bozeman’s condition stabilizes so that he can be transferred to a long-term care facility.
“Ezra Bozeman has been a shining example of what it means to live as a dignified human being, even as he received poor medical care as a quadriplegic,” Sean Damon of Amistad Law Project said in a statement.
Bozeman was represented by the Abolitionist Law Center and Amistad Law Project.
Bozeman emerged paralyzed from the chest down after a February surgery to remove a large blood clot near his spinal cord. After that, his lawyers filed papers seeking compassionate release.
Bozeman was convicted of second-degree murder in 1975 for killing Morris Weitz during a robbery at a dry cleaner in Pittsburgh. Bozeman has maintained his innocence, saying that he was not involved in the robbery and was nowhere near the scene, and that a key witness against him had recanted his testimony.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Utah AD Mark Harlan fined $40,000 for ripping referees and the Big 12 after loss to BYU
- Here’s Why Jelly Roll Missed the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards
- Craig Conover Shares Update on Paige DeSorbo After “Scary” Panic Attack
- Montana man arrested for intentionally running a motorcycle off the road and killing the driver
- 'The Penguin' spoilers! Colin Farrell spills on that 'dark' finale episode
- Louisiana prosecutors drop most serious charge in deadly arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene
- Hand-counting measure effort fizzles in North Dakota
- Biden approves major disaster declaration for northeastern Vermont for late July flooding
- Hurricane forecasters on alert: November storm could head for Florida
- North Carolina lieutenant governor names new chief aide as staff departures grow
Ranking
- Justice Department sues to block UnitedHealth Group’s $3.3 billion purchase of Amedisys
- Funniest wildlife photos of the year showcased in global competition: See the finalists
- Watch: Grounds crew helps Athletics fans get Oakland Coliseum souvenir
- Hurricane Helene's huge size ups a terrifying risk: Tornadoes
- Sister Wives’ Janelle Brown Alleges Ex Kody Made False Claims About Family’s Finances
- Best Kitten Heels for Giving Your Style a Little Lift, Shop the Trend With Picks From Amazon, DSW & More
- Costco Shuts Down Claim Diddy Bought Baby Oil From Them in Bulk
- Tribal Members Journey to Washington Push for Reauthorization of Radiation Exposure Compensation Act
Recommendation
-
TikToker Campbell “Pookie” Puckett Gives Birth, Welcomes First Baby With Jett Puckett
-
Helene makes landfall in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 hurricane
-
A Pennsylvania woman is convicted of killing her 2 young children in 2019
-
California man faces federal charge in courthouse bomb explosion
-
Taylor Swift touches down in Kansas City as Chiefs take on Denver Broncos
-
Athletics fans prepare for final game at Oakland Coliseum: 'Everyone’s paying the price'
-
Florida man files a lawsuit to prevent Ohtani’s 50th HR ball from going to auction
-
Depleted energy levels affect us all. But here's when they could indicate something serious.