Convicted school shooter Jesse Osborne, presently serving a life sentence without parole, has appealed for a sentence review, sparking speculation about his potential release.
Osborne was just 14 when he killed his father and proceeded to Townville Elementary School in South Carolina, causing the death of a teacher and three students.
Frank Eppes, Osborne’s lawyer, claimed that the presiding judge during the trial did not adequately evaluate a psychological report. This report indicated that Osborne’s violent actions stemmed from previous abuse and hinted at his potential for rehabilitation.
Now 21, Osborne expressed regret for his actions, vowing to better himself in prison. He apologized to the family of one of his victims and to all those affected by the traumatic incident.
During the hearing at the Anderson County Courthouse, there was substantial opposition to Osborne’s potential release. Principal Denise Fredericks, a wounded student’s parent, a teacher, and the superintendent all expressed their objections. Despite acknowledging Osborne’s potential for change, Fredericks argued for his ongoing incarceration due to the severity of his crimes.
Osborne, who pleaded guilty to all charges, is serving two life sentences. His crimes started with his father’s murder before he attacked a first-grade class, causing the death of Jacob Hall and injuring two other students and a teacher.
The defense team argued that Osborne’s brain was still developing during his teenage years. They provided a psychologist’s report challenging the depiction of Osborne as a dangerous, remorseless criminal. Eppes suggested a revised sentence of at least 30 years for the murders, added years for attempted murder charges, and lifetime GPS monitoring if released.
The presiding judge asked for a comprehensive report from the defense’s expert and gave the prosecutors ten days to respond.