Jason McGehee granted clemency after death row sentence in Little Rock

Jason McGehee will avoid execution in Little Rock following an executive clemency announcement from state officials. The decision commutes his death sentence to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The action follows an earlier recommendation from the state Parole Board.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced his intent to grant the relief today. The action alters the inmate’s sentence permanently.

“My intent to grant clemency to Mr. McGehee is based partly on the recommendation of the Parole Board to commute his sentence from Death to Life Without Parole,” Hutchinson said. “In making this decision I considered many factors including the entire trial transcript, meetings with members of the victim’s family and the recommendation of the Parole Board.”

The governor noted another reason for his choice in Little Rock. He cited the disparity between the sentence given to McGehee and those of co-defendants.

McGehee holds state inmate number ADC #000946. Records show Jason F. McGehee was convicted of Capital Murder, a Class Y Felony, on January 8, 1998.

The conviction occurred in the Circuit Court of Boone County. The case involved the killing of John Melbourne Jr.

The presiding Judge recommended the mercy grant. However, the Boone County Prosecutor and Sheriff raised formal objections to the move.

Executive clemency allows a governor to reduce penalties for crimes. Commutation alters a court sentence to a less severe punishment. The process follows formal reviews by state corrections boards.

The final action changes the Little Rock legal outcome for the inmate. The death sentence is now replaced by life custody.