120-plus Allegheny second-degree murder cases in ‘land of the unknown’

(The Center Square) – An estimated 120-plus inmates serving life sentences from Allegheny County are among groups potentially affected by what one prosecutor calls a new “land of the unknown” in Pennsylvania judicial matters involving second-degree murder.

The uncertainty referred to by John Adams, Berks County district attorney and spokesperson for the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, follows the state Supreme Court’s declaration earlier this year that sentencing guidelines for those serving mandatory life sentences without parole for second-degree murder are unconstitutional.

The court put a stay on the ruling months ago, and it expired Friday.

The lack of clarity raises the possibility that sentenced individuals might file petitions under the Post Conviction Relief Act seeking reviews of their sentences and incarceration. And, since lawmakers were unable to agree on a replacement sentencing law, political accusations are being hurled.

Questions aboun...