Killer of country comic 'Stringbean' being released from prison
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - This 1972 photo shows David "Stringbean" Akeman and his wife, Estelle. The killer of the Grand Ole Opry and Hee Haw comic Akeman and his wife Estelle was granted parole Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, after 40 years in prison. John A. Brown, 64, was originally sentenced to 198 years, and the board has denied several previous parole requests. (AP Photo/file)
The killer of Grand Ole Opry and "Hee Haw" comic David "Stringbean" Akeman and his wife, Estelle, is being released from prison after spending 40 years behind bars.
WTVF-TV reports 64-year-old John A. Brown is being released from prison Monday.
On the evening of Nov. 11, 1973, Brown and his cousin, Doug Marvin Brown, ransacked the Akemans' cabin on their farm near Nashville, looking for the cash Akeman was rumored to keep there.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Police said the cousins were surprised by the Akemans as they returned home from the Opry. John Brown shot Stringbean Akeman as he walked into the cabin, then ran after his wife and shot her.
Brown said at a parole hearing April that he was sorry for his actions and has tried to change his life.