Arkansas inmate's commutation request rejected

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Pardon and Parole Board has denied a commutation request from a man convicted of killing a Pocahontas police officer.

The board announced Thursday that it rejected the commutation request of 55-year-old Dwight Sullinger.

Sullinger is serving life in prison after being convicted of the 1991 shooting death of Officer Scotty Bennett. Prosecutors say Sullinger shot Bennett as the officer approached Sullinger's home after Sullinger had called and asked Bennett to come to the home.

The board also recommended commutation of the life sentence of convicted killer Danny Verdict. Verdict convicted of the 1992 shooting death of his wife, Marcella Verdict, in Craighead County.

The recommendation goes to Gov. Mike Beebe, who has previously denied a clemency recommendation for Verdict.

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