News Summary
The eligibility for parole of 72-year-old James Richard King, convicted of the murder of Lexie Walters, has incited widespread concern among the victim’s family and local officials. King’s previous murder conviction and history of violent crimes have raised questions about public safety and parole laws in Virginia. Family members are advocating for changes in legislation to address perceived loopholes that could endanger communities.
Virginia Beach – In a significant turn of events, 72-year-old James Richard King, who was sentenced to two life terms for the murder of Lexie Walters in February 2025, has become eligible for parole less than a year after his sentencing. King’s case has raised considerable concern, given the severity of his crimes and the judge’s explicit statement during sentencing that he should “never see the light of freedom again until your life comes to an end.”
Virginia law permits “geriatric” inmates who are over the age of 65 to petition for conditional release after they have served a minimum of five years in prison. Although he turned himself in to authorities following Walters’ murder, King has already spent approximately five years behind bars after pleading guilty. His parole eligibility has prompted worry among the victim’s family and local officials.
King’s conviction stems from events that unfolded one night in 2020 when he was out drinking with Walters at a local bar. Following a heavy evening of drinking, Walters was later discovered dead in King’s motel room. While King claims he has no recollection of the events leading up to her death, his criminal history includes a prior murder conviction in Ohio in 1986, where he was sentenced to 15 years to life for the killing of a woman at a wedding he attended and served 20 years before being released.
In Virginia Beach, King faced additional legal troubles when he was charged in 2019 for raping and assaulting a woman. However, he was only convicted of assault and released immediately due to time served, further complicating his past and raising questions about his suitability for parole.
The potential for King’s release has caused distress within the Walters family, particularly for Marie Jones, the victim’s sister, who received notification about King’s upcoming parole interview scheduled for September 2, 2025. The news has been described as an emotional upheaval for the family, who are still in the process of healing from their loss. Jones has expressed disbelief regarding King’s eligibility for parole, especially in light of the gravity of his offenses and the prior comments made by the judge during the trial.
Concerns about King’s potential release extend beyond the Walters family, with the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney and the Attorney General’s Office both formally voicing their objections to his eligibility for parole. They argue that a more stringent approach should be adopted regarding those convicted of violent crimes, particularly murder.
In response to the potential implications of King’s case, Jones has launched a campaign to advocate for changes in parole eligibility laws concerning violent offenders. She is actively seeking support from local lawmakers to address what she sees as a potential loophole in the legal system that allows individuals convicted of serious crimes to re-enter society earlier than warranted.
The Virginia Parole Board clarified that while King is being reviewed for parole, such consideration does not ensure that he will be released from prison. Each case is evaluated in accordance with established state laws, which take into account the nature of the offense, behavior while incarcerated, and the potential risks associated with release.
This situation highlights ongoing debates in Virginia about parole eligibility criteria, especially regarding violent offenses, and raises questions about public safety and the impact of early release on victims’ families. As the parole hearing date approaches, many in the community will be closely watching the developments of this case.
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Additional Resources
- Pilot Online
- WAVY News
- WTKR News
- Wikipedia: Parole in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Parole
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
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