An anchor at WBTV-TV in Charlotte has created an online petition to make sure her rapist stays behind bars.
According to her petition, Maureen O'Boyle was raped in her apartment in Macon, Georgia, nearly 30 years ago.
James Starling was convicted of rape in Bibb County and sentenced to 50 years in prison. Now, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles website says he is up for parole in April.
Board spokesperson, Steve Hayes, issued this statement:
"This offender became parole eligible according to his sentence in April 1993. He has served 30 years of the 50 year prison sentence. His max release date, if denied parole, is April 27, 2036.
Because the Board by law must consider him for parole, his case has been considered by the Board 10 times since 1993 and he has been denied release.
He currently has a tentative parole month established for April 2016. However, the tentative parole month or TPM, is not a confirmed release or final parole decision. The Parole Board will complete a thorough review of the offender's case prior to determining if an actual parole release date will be established.
During the review, any registered victim in the case will be notified of the inmate's parole consideration and will be asked for information regarding the possible release."
In her petition, O'Boyle writes:
"My daughter, your daughters and granddaughters deserve to wake up every day knowing justice is being served because James Starling is serving his full sentence. Protect women. Don't let this rapist and monster free. I beg you. Most sincerely, Maureen O'Boyle."
The petition has almost 52,000 signatures.
I'm asking for your help in keeping the man who raped me behind bars. Read about the crime and sign petition here:http://chn.ge/1Re9Jgp
Posted by WBTV’s Maureen O’Boyle on Monday, March 21, 2016
