Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall has expressed strong disapproval of the Kansas Prisoner Review Board's recent decision to grant parole to Jimmie Nelms, who was convicted for the 1978 murder of Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Conroy O’Brien.

Senator Marshall stated, "The Kansas Prisoner Review Board’s appalling decision to grant parole to cop killer Jimmie Nelms is a grave injustice and a slap in the face to law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to protect Kansans." He emphasized his personal connection to the case, mentioning his upbringing near where Trooper O’Brien was killed and his father's role as El Dorado’s former Police Chief.

Marshall further remarked on the impact of this decision on Trooper O’Brien’s family, saying, "Trooper O’Brien’s family deserves justice, not the pain of seeing his killer walk free after 46 years." He strongly believes that parole should not be an option for those who have murdered law enforcement officers.

The senator urged the Kansas Prisoner Review Board to explore all legal options available to reconsider their decision. "I urge the Kansas Prisoner Review Board to review all legal avenues to reconsider this decision to ensure this murderer remains where he belongs – behind bars for the rest of his life," he stated. According to him, true justice requires nothing less than ensuring Nelms remains incarcerated.