NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — James Michael Spann, a man serving a life sentence for the 1993 murder of a teenage girl, was denied parole on Wednesday.
Back in 1994, Spann admitted to shooting 17-year-old Karie Ann Newberry in the head, dumping her body in a wooded area in Dickson and then setting her body on fire. Newberry had to be identified by dental records.
Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, but a technicality in the law led Spann to get life in prison with the possibility of parole.
After serving more than 25 years he was eligible for parole for a second time on Wednesday morning. During the hearing, the board voted to decline parole for the now 49-year-old Spann due to the seriousness of the offense.
Spann went before the parole board for the first time in 2018. Newberry's son testified against Spann's release at the time. Her family was in attendance again to argue against his release.
Board Chairman Richard Montgomery recommended a parole review hearing again in two years.
