PHOENIX — An Arizona inmate who has spent 50 years in prison is feeling especially thankful this holiday.
The Arizona Justice Project says Gov. Doug Ducey granted clemency Wednesday for Doyle Williams, reducing his sentence for murder from “indeterminate life” to 45 years to life.
He will remain imprisoned until a formal parole hearing.
Lindsay Herf, of the Justice Project, says the hearing will hopefully be scheduled sometime next month.
Williams was convicted of murder in 1969.
His co-defendant, who pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 10 years but released after serving three.
The Justice Project says it has spent the last 20 years looking for evidence and records in Williams’ case.
In July, the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency recommended Williams for clemency because of his behavioral record and time already served.