Policeman's Murder Puts System Under Scrutiny

There are calls for truth in sentencing, after it was revealed the man charged with killing a Sheffield policeman, Sgt. Nick Risner, had been released from prison early. Brian Martin was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2013 after pleading guilty in the shooting death of his father. But he served only about three years, as a result of the state's "good time" laws, reducing sentences for good behavior. Inmates can get their sentences cut 75 days for each 30 days served. "You've got a number of individuals who have been pushing efforts for reform, with letting people out of jail," Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman Paul DeMarco said. He pointed to a law passed just last week, during the special legislative session, which will allow felons to be released even earlier. DeMarco, a former House Judiciary Committee chairman, said the will of the people must prevail. "The Legislature needs to react to the citizens...who need to get out there and demand this of their state lawmakers, to stop passing laws that will weaken our criminal justice system, and pass truth in sentencing."