Petition started to overturn parole for 'cop killer'
Context: Above video initially aired on May 9.
TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas State Troopers' Association has created a petition asking for the reversal of the decision to grant parole to a man who was convicted of murdering a state trooper in the 1970s.
The Kansas State Troopers' Association recently started a Change.org petition titled "No Parole for Cop Killers - in honor of Trooper Conroy O'Brien" that has gathered more than 1,600 signatures since it was created on May 9. Governor Kelly believes the Prisoner Review Board should consider reversing the decision.
"In just a day, we've already received over 1000 signatures, and many of you have generously donated money to help promote the petition," the Kansas State Troopers' Association posted on the petition website on May 10. "At this time, we're not requesting further financial contributions, we are primarily requesting your voice and your signature."
The petition calls on Kansas lawmakers to implement legislation that prohibits the parole of anyone convicted of killing a law enforcement officer. On Friday, May 8, 27 News reached out to the Office of the Governor for a statement.
“While Governor Kelly believes in second chances, as evidenced by her decisions to grant clemency on a case-by-case basis, she does not agree with the Prisoner Review Board’s decision here," Press Secretary Grace Hoge said. "The facts of this case demonstrate a brutal and intentional killing of a law enforcement officer. There is no justification for this decision. The governor believes the Prisoner Review Board should seriously consider reversing its decision, if legally possible.”
On May 24, 1978, Nelms was pulled over in a traffic stop by Trooper Conroy O’Brien near Matfield Green, KS, according to April McCollum, KHP Public Information Officer. During the traffic stop, Nelms shot and killed O’Brien.
The Kansas Prisoner Review Board decided to grant parole on March 6 to Jimmie Nelms, who was convicted of killing O'Brien in the 1970s. David Thompson, Public Information Officer for the Kansas Department of Corrections, said Nelms' release date has not been determined, as of May 8.
You can find the petition by clicking here. For more information on the Kansas Prisoner Review Board's decision, click here.
For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.