Gov. Josh Shapiro commutes life sentence of Marie Scott, 71, who served over 50 years for murder.

Marie Scott, a 71-year-old woman who has been incarcerated for more than 50 years due to her involvement in a robbery that led to a murder, is now eligible for parole following a significant decision by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. After a unanimous recommendation from the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons to commute Scott’s life sentence to time served, the governor officially approved the commutation, emphasizing his belief that mandatory life sentences for first-degree murder are unjust.

Scott has spent her life in prison since 1973 after participating in a gas station robbery alongside her then-boyfriend, Leroy Saxton, who was 16 at the time. During the incident, Saxton fatally shot cashier Michael Kerrigan. Scott, who acted primarily as a lookout, was subsequently convicted of felony murder and received a life sentence, similarly to Saxton, who has since been released after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life sentences for juveniles are unconstitutional.

As part of the commutation agreement, Scott will be required to serve an additional six months in prison due to previous escape attempts before she is eligible for parole. The commutation comes in response to years of advocacy from her legal team, who highlighted her model behavior in prison and cited her diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer as compelling reasons for a reduced sentence.

Scott’s case has garnered mixed reactions. While her supporters celebrate the commutation as a significant achievement, some family members of the victim, particularly Angela Kerrigan, granddaughter of Michael Kerrigan, have expressed outrage. They argue that Scott has not fully taken responsibility for her role in the crime nor shown adequate remorse. Angela Kerrigan has vowed to attend Scott’s parole hearing and advocate against her release, emphasizing the enduring pain that her family’s loss has inflicted.

Should Scott be released, she intends to reside with her only daughter, Hope Segers, who has pledged to support her during the transition. Her legal representatives hope that the parole board will take into consideration Scott’s age, her lengthy incarceration, and her contributions to mentoring other inmates at the State Correctional Institution at Muncy.

Scott’s case exemplifies the complex discussions surrounding criminal justice reform, particularly concerning life sentences and the potential for rehabilitation after decades of imprisonment. As Pennsylvania remains one of only two states enforcing mandatory life sentences for felony murder convictions, Scott’s continued journey through the legal system will undoubtedly be closely followed as advocates on both sides of the issue maintain their positions.

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