Louisiana Murderer Released From Prison After Life Without Parole Sentence Is Commuted

Despite a life sentence without the possibility of parole for murdering two people, a Lousiana man will be released from prison after serving 42 years.

In a 2-1 vote on Monday, the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole granted David Chenevert, 64, an early release.

Board members Sheryl Ranatza and Pearl Wise voted in favor of Chenevert's release, while Bonnie Jackson opposed the decision.

"You've done harm, you've healed yourself, and now you're healing others," Wise told Chenevert.

In 1979, Chenevert was convicted of killing Michael Brown and Evelyn McIntyre. In 1981, he agreed to plead guilty to two counts of second-degree murder to avoid the death penalty. Chenevert received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

At the time of the murders, Chenevert was 21, Brown, 26, and McIntyre, 18. Police said he stabbed Brown and McIntyre out of anger over missing drug money.

On Monday, two members of the board commented on Chenevert's "remarkable" reformation in which he became a pastor. "I am not the devil," Chenevert said. "I am the face of rehabilitation."

During the hearing, Chenevert also apologized to Brown and McIntyre's relatives. "I am sorry for the pain and hurt I've put in each of your families," he said.

Some of the victim's family members were not happy about Chenevert's commuted sentence and spoke out against his release to the board during the nearly 90-minute hearing before the final decision was reached.

"I don't understand how somebody took two lives and did a little good in prison, and now he's able to go free," said Richard Boudreau, McIntyre's brother.

However, Brown's daughter, Alicia Vaughn, revealed she was ready to move on from the past. "I'm just glad it's over," Vaughn said.

"I haven't slept since all of this started, but I really haven't slept since last night and the day before. I'm glad we don't have to go through it again. I'm just ready to move on."

Upon release, Chenevert will leave Louisana and will be required to serve 20 hours of community service every month. He will also be prohibited from contacting the victims' families.