19 Juvenile Murderers To Be Resentenced in Jackson County

Due to a recent ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court, a seismic shift has occurred in the sentencing of juvenile offenders. The court case, People v. Parks, ruled that forcing 18-year-olds convicted of first-degree murder into life without parole without an individual hearing is unconstitutional. That ruling now extends to individuals aged 19 and 20.

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People v. Parks: The Foundation

This means that mandating life without parole for 18- to 20-year-old murderers is a violation of Michigan’s constitutional rights — when done without first weighing youthful traits like neuroscience, impulse control, peer influence, and capacity to reform.

Jackson County’s 19 Resentencing Cases

Because the decision is retroactive, the Jackson County Prosecutors’ Office announced that 19 convicted murderers will be resentenced under the April 2025 ruling:

• Kyle Anderson
• Daniel Wolfe
• Rex Pitts
• Geoffrey Burroughs
• William Scott
• Timothy Tingley
• Brendton Mossman
• Naim Abdur Rasheed
• Bill Leonard
• Philip Thompson
• Roy Seger
• Chad Vanwaagoner
• Anthony Gelia
• Drewshawn Glaspie
• Jymario Dooley
• Jimmy Griffin
• Charles Selby
• Sean Taylor
• Prentice Watkins

RELATED: Michigan Cold Case Files: Unsolved Murders in Jackson

What This Means for Victims’ Families

Prosecuting Attorney Kelsey Guernsey recognizes the impact this may have on the victims' families and is requesting that they, or their family representatives, contact the Jackson County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for consultation before proceeding with resentencing.

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Victims are encouraged to contact the Jackson County Victim's Rights Unit at 517-788-4071. The goal for all is transparency and respecting impacted families, while maintaining fairness in Michigan's laws. These rulings are sure to have a profound impact; be sure your voice is heard.