HARRISBURG, Pa. – The brother of prize-winning author John Edgar Wideman has moved one step closer to freedom after a Pennsylvania parole board recommended pardoning him for a 1975 killing.
Robert Wideman was sentenced to life without parole and has been in a state prison since his conviction in a shooting case was the subject of his older brother's acclaimed 1984 memoir "Brothers and Keepers."
The Board of Pardons recommended clemency for 68-year-old Wideman following a hearing Thursday. The Post-Gazette says it featured testimony from a judge who prosecuted the case, and from the victim's sister, who opposed the request.
Wideman's attorney Mark Schwartz says they'll be "sweating bullets" awaiting a decision from Gov. Tom Wolf. The Democrat tends to give weight to the board's recommendation.
Wideman was charged with murder after participating in a 1975 robbery that resulted in the shooting death of car salesman Nicola Morena.
True Crime
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
