EDITOR:

The 47th Circuit Court is hearing an appeal to a decision made by the Michigan Parole Board to grant parole to Hans Nelson, who is housed in Marquette Detention Facility.

On Aug. 17, 1995, Hans Nelson murdered Todd Newman in his home with a sawed-off shotgun. Hans Nelson was given 25 to 48 years in prison by Judge Davis for the crime. On Sept. 28, 2017, the Michigan Parole Board granted parole to Hans Nelson only 22 years after the sentence was imposed. The family of the victim requested the Delta County prosecutor appeal the decision.

The family of Todd Newman is asserting that the Michigan Parole Board did not fully consider all the factors surrounding the crime and did not follow all the required steps when considering parole for Hans Nelson.

The family wants the public to be aware that Hans Nelson may be released into the community and can attend the hearing at 1 p.m. Eastern time May 11 in Delta County Circuit Court.