Rhode Island bill would permit earlier parole for juvenile offenders serving life sentences

PROVIDENCE — Marvin Rubio was 15 years old when he shot to death a rival gang member in September 2002.

Today, he is 32 and serving a life sentence in the medium-security prison at the Adult Correctional Institutions for killing 16-year-old Ricky Sok after a petty argument.

Rubio is now one of several inmates, sentenced as teenagers to life terms for their crimes, who are urging state lawmakers to pass legislation mandating that juvenile offenders be considered by the Parole Board after serving 15 years.

MJ Robinson, of Black and Pink Providence, an organization that advocates for LGBTQ prisoners, read a letter on Rubio’s behalf this week to the state Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

Read more: https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20190414/ri-bill-would-permit-earlier-parole-for-juvenile-offenders-serving-life-sentences