NEWS Judge orders release of inmate at center of dispute over New Mexico's 'second chance' law State Parole Board says it's still reviewing ruling in case that could have broad implications SANTA FE — After nearly 30 years behind bars, Jesse Tooker is set to start a new life. A state judge this week ordered the release of Tooker, a New Mexico prison inmate who has been at the center of a legal dispute over the state’s recently enacted “second chance law” for serious youthful offenders. The sister of Tooker, who has spent more than half his life in prison after being convicted of murder as a teenager in 1996, said Tuesday she was “ecstatic” after learning of District Judge Francis Mathew’s ruling. “He gets to live his life,” said Sarah Htoutou, who has repeatedly traveled back and forth from her home in Texas to Santa Fe to attend court hearings in her brother’s case.
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Media Coverage · May 12, 2026
A New Mexico judge ordered the release of Jesse Tooker, who has spent nearly 30 years in prison for a murder conviction as a teenager. The ruling applies the state's new 'second chance' law for serious youthful offenders, which could affect other inmates serving long sentences from youth. The state parole board is still reviewing the decision, which has drawn significant attention.
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Judge orders release of inmate at center of dispute over New Mexico second chance law
Media Coverage · May 13, 2026
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NEWS Judge orders release of inmate at center of dispute over New Mexico's 'second chance' law State Parole Board says it's still reviewing ruling in case that could have broad implications SANTA FE — After nearly 30 years behind bars, Jesse Tooker is set to start a new life. A state judge this week ordered the release of Tooker, a New Mexico prison inmate who has been at the center of a legal dispute over the state’s recently enacted “second chance law” for serious youthful offenders. The siste
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A New Mexico judge ordered the release of Jesse Tooker, who has spent nearly 30 years in prison for a murder conviction as a teenager. The ruling applies the state's new 'second chance' law for serious youthful offenders, which could affect other inmates serving long sentences from youth. The state parole board is still reviewing the decision, which has drawn significant attention.
NEWS Judge orders release of inmate at center of dispute over New Mexico's 'second chance' law State Parole Board says it's still reviewing ruling in case that could have broad …
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1 outlet · 1 article
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