Alona Sharon, the court appointed lawyer for James Crumbley is representing a convicted rapist and murderer of a 5-year-old.
Jason Symonds was convicted in 1994 when he was 16-years-old for the rape and murder of 5-year-old Nicole VanNoty in Battle Creek.
Symonds who has been sitting in prison for decades after being sentenced to life without parole as a minor, can now appeal his sentence because he was re-sentenced in 2023 to life without parole again. His lawyer breaks it down like this:
“The decisions in Miller and Montgomery found that his sentence was unconstitutional, and that decision was retroactive, so he has a right to appeal the sentence. Even though it’s been so many years, because of Miller and Montgomery, he was entitled to what’s called a Miller hearing. At the end of that Miller hearing, the judge reimposed the sentence of life without the possibility of parole, and he has an absolute right to appeal that sentence,” said Sharon.
Sharon says while she understands how hard situations like these can be for the victim’s family, she says Symonds has made changes to lead to a new sentence.
“The fact remains that for Mr. Symonds, at his Miller hearing, there was overwhelming proof that he is not only capable of rehabilitation, but that he is rehabilitated. His conduct within the prison is exemplary. Over the decades of his incarceration, he has never been assaultive or violent or threatening. He’s never committed sexual misconduct. He has accomplished a tremendous amount, that, for your typical prisoner, is pretty much impossible,” said Sharon.
JAMES CRUMBLEY APPEAL – HIS LAWYER DOESN’T RUN TO THE MEDIA LIKE THE OTHER ONE DOES
As for James Crumbleys appeal? Sharon has been quiet regarding James case as it moves through the courts, a far cry from Jennifer’s lawyer who immediately jumps and runs to the media.
Alona has asked for an extension until September 29th to file his paperwork with the Michigan Court of Appeals. That decision is expected by September 1st, which will surely be granted as this is just a paperwork move to extend his deadline to file.
