PARAGOULD — The Arkansas Parole Board is recommending clemency for a man convicted of first-degree murder, saying he's served enough time "for a crime he possibly did not commit."
The board announced Monday that it was recommending clemency for Denver Mitchell, who was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 1990 beating death of Willard Williamson in Paragould.
Jonesboro television station KAIT reported that a parole board worksheet said the case should be fully investigated because it "may be the wrong person is incarcerated due to evidence in the file."
Mitchell admitted beating Williamson but said he did not kill the man. Mitchell said a teenager later confessed to the slaying.
The board's recommendation is open to public comment before going to Gov. Mike Beebe for his consideration.