Man released from prison after previous life sentence for armed robbery

PERRY — Jessie Askew walked into a Houston County courtroom in handcuffs Friday morning, but left free after a hearing years in the making.

On April 24, Askew was resentenced in Houston County Superior Court. Previously serving a life sentence, his charges were reduced to 25 years in prison for an armed robbery in the late 90s.

Since he was sentenced in 1998, he has already served 28 years.

Askew’s lawyers, Michael Admirand and Kendell Long, recognized former district attorney Kelly Burke, who became one of Askew’s biggest champions after prosecuting the original case. A full courtroom, from Askew’s family, to former victims and correctional staff, attended the hearing in support. 

“This remarkable cross section of support speaks to the extraordinary nature of Jessie’s case,” Admirand said.

Admirand said out of 40 life sentences in Houston County, 85% were for either murder or rape.

“Jessie is one of just six people who was sentenced to life without parole for a less aggravated offense, and one of just two people who received life without parole, even though he didn’t have prior conviction for a violent offense. That comparison demonstrates that Jessie’s sentence is unusually severe when compared to other cases in Houston County,” Admirand said.

Long presented evidence of Askew’s conduct in prison, including 13 certificates of recommendation, including training and participation in vocational education. Letters from prison staff described Askew as a model member of society, genuine, caring, accountable and seeking self improvement.

Meanwhile, a former victim said she believes Askew is ready to re-enter society, and his sister said she is ready for the family to heal.

District Attorney Eric Edwards said the DA’s office operates under the most current Victim’s Bill of Rights, even in older cases. Neither of the victims they spoke to objected to reversal.

Edwards said while it is rare, he agreed to resentencing. He attributed it to Burke’s passion towards the case.

“Mr. Burke, as a prosecutor on this case, has infinitely more knowledge than I could ever possess from reading a record about the circumstances of this case. As such, his opinion carried a lot of weight for me in this matter,” Edwards said.

Part of Burke’s affidavit was read in court by Long, outlining the overseverity of the sentence.

“Mr. Burke says he felt like this was the most disproportionate sentence that his office had imposed, and the life without parole sentence was, in hindsight, inappropriate based upon his age, his nonviolent criminal history up to that point, and the circumstances of this case,” Long said.

Judge G.E. “Bo” Adams granted the resentencing, saying the pursuit of justice continued for the case and the show of support was encouraging.

“I commend you, Mr. Askew, for persevering in your cause, and I commend your attorneys for doing that as well, again, providing the groundwork that would convince the judge that you’re deserving of such a modification,” Adams said. “I’ll sign an order to that. I wish you well.”