LANCASTER – A group of state and local officials gathered in Lancaster to call on the PA House to address sentencing guidelines for criminals convicted of second-degree murder when they reconvene this week. In March, the PA Supreme Court ruled the state’s sentencing system for second-degree murder was unconstitutional. The court stayed its ruling until July 24 to give the General Assembly time to establish new sentencing guidelines. The Senate passed two bills to create new sentencing guidelines, but the House adjourned July 13 without addressing the issue. After the announcement of the press conference, House leaders announced they would return to voting session today. Sen. Scott Martin of Lancaster & Berks Counties said without having new sentencing guidelines in place, many of these criminals who committed these horrific crimes will be re-sentenced and could even be released back onto the streets. Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams commented that we must get the ball across the finish line. Inaction would be an insult to victim’s families, law enforcement and prosecutors who worked diligently on the investigation and prosecution of these cases, and to the public who rely on those elected to do their jobs.
