The Arkansas Parole Board has unanimously denied a parole request from an inmate who has served more than 17 years in prison for a 1997 double slaying in south Arkansas.
Timothy Howard was originally convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death for the killings of Brian and Shannon Day. But the Arkansas Supreme Court ordered a new trial to review new evidence in the case. He was convicted of the lesser charges of second-degree murder and sentenced to 38 years in prison.
In a statement Monday, the board said it rejected Howard's request for two years, citing the nature and seriousness of the crime. The panel also said Howard must complete a 1,440-hour vocational training course before his next board appearance.
Howard has maintained his innocence throughout his appeals.