Alpine Manor parole catches prosecutor off guard

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The upcoming release from prison of one of the infamous Alpine Manor Nursing Home killers is raising serious questions about how prosecutors are notified about parole rulings.

While some of the victims' families say the Michigan Department of Corrections sent them a notice about Catherine Wood's pending release, the Kent County prosecutor said he was taken by surprise.

"The first time I heard about it was on the news," Prosecutor Chris Becker said.

Becker said his office just received the prison system's notice of Wood's release Thursday. It was dated Sept. 24.

He said the prison system should have notified his office before her Sept. 18 parole board hearing, giving him a chance to object.

"I've gotten letters before the parole hearings saying, 'Hey, we're preparing to parole this person,'" he said.

FULL STORY: WOOD TV


View Full Site