SPOKANE, Wash. — A convicted killer who has already spent nearly three decades behind bars could be eligible for parole in as little as two years.
Kevin Boot has already served nearly 30 years in prison for killing Felicia Reese in 1994. He appeared in court in early 2024 in the hopes of reducing his sentence to 30 years with credit for time served, meaning his 30-year sentence would nearly be complete. In court Tuesday, Spokane County Judge Raymond Clary decided to impose a mitigated sentence of 32 years to life, meaning he could become eligible for parole in approximately two years.
This is the third time Boot has been sentenced for Reese's murder.
In 1994, then-17-year-old Boot and his cousin kidnapped, robbed and killed Reese. A jury convicted him of aggravated first-degree murder two years later, landing him in prison with a life sentence without parole.
In 2012, however, a United States Supreme Court ruling determined a juvenile could not be sentenced to life in prison without parole. Five years later, Spokane County Judge Raymond Clary resentenced Boot to 50 years in prison with credit for time served. The Court of Appeals later ruled that sentence is the same as life in prison and should be re-issued, landing Boot in court for a third time in January.
RELATED: 'Does not deserve mercy' | Man convicted in 1994 murder appears in court to be resentenced again
The hearing for Boot's second resentencing started with a letter from Reese's mother read by a family friend.
"My soul aches every single day since my beloved daughter was thoughtlessly murdered," Mike Fredricks read. "Kevin Boot does not deserve mercy, just as he did not show mercy towards Felicia."
Then, the defense called on Grady Mitchell, who shared a prison cell with Boot for 20 years. In that time, he said Boot became remorseful and took steps to change.
The state requested a 40-year sentence, while Boot sought a 30-year sentence with credit for time served. Boot told the judge he’s changed, listing several volunteer redemption programs he’s participated in, and now leading, in prison. He said he wants the opportunity for people to see he is not the "monster" he was at age 17.
In court Tuesday, Clary determined that Boot has been rehabilitated and is actually remorseful of his actions. These factors and others led the judge to impose a mitigated sentence of 32 years to life. This does not mean Boot will be released in two years; rather, he could become eligible for parole in two years.
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