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June 18, 2013

Indiana Woman Sentenced to Death at 16 is Released from Prison 
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An Indiana woman who drew international support when she was sentenced
to death at the age of 16 has been released after nearly 30 years in
prison. Paula Cooper became the youngest person on death row in 1986
after her conviction for killing Ruth Pelke, an elderly Bible teacher.
Her case drew calls to spare her life from people around the world,
including Pope John Paul II and the victim's grandson, Bill Pelke. Her
sentence was commuted to 60 years in 1989, but she was released early
for good behavior and after earning a college degree behind bars.

 

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