A Norwich man is pleading with state lawmakers to ensure that the man who killed his wife and son 20 years ago stays in prison as a bill moves through the General Assembly that would allow him to be released early.
Michael Bernier, a neighbor, was convicted.
Bernier, who is now 34, was 15 years old when he killed John Cluny's wife and son and he is serving a 60-year-sentence at Cheshire Correctional Institution.
However, lawmakers are considering legislation that would make teenagers who were sentenced to 10 or more years in prison eligible for a review of their sentence, no matter what crime they committed.
Supporters of the bill argue that children's minds aren't fully developed.
“He didn't only commit one murder, he committed two murders,” John Cluny said. “He fact that you have to bring this up when the politics or legislature changes is sickening.”
If the bill passes, Bernier’s sentence could be reduced to 30 years.
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