Five convicted murderers denied parole

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - Five men serving time for murder had their parole denied Tuesday. The Mobile County District Attorney's Office traveled to Montgomery to fight the men's parole request.

“All five of these men deserved the time they were sentenced and should not be allowed to be released one day early. Our fight will always be to make certain that the sentences ordered are carried out to the fullest,” said District Attorney Ashley Rich.

“We are very excited about the rulings of the Parole Board. We will continue to spend as much time as possible in front of that board to standup for the victims of crime in this county.”

Charles Booker burglarized Arthur Williamson's house in June 1985. He cut Williamson's throat, stabbed him and then set the house on fire. Booker did not get any money. He was sentenced to 30 years.

J.C. McGaster shot the mothe rof his child while standing at her door in December 1992. A 15-year-old child witnessed the shooting. He was sentenced to 35 years.

In March 1996, Timothy Moore shot a 15-year-old in the head at the Chevron Gas Station on Broad Street. The teenager was Mario Triplet.

Vernon Chestang was convicted of second degree murder for the death of 63-year-old Donald Eckhoff. Chestang was tried twice. The first conviction for manslaughter was overturned on appeal. In November 2002, a jury found him guilty of second degree murder. Chestang was sentenced to 20 years behind bars a month after his conviction.

James Crawford is serving time for DUI homicide. Crawford struck 29-year-old Michael Carpenter's car head on near the Wal-Mart on Rangeline Road in August 2001. Carpenter, 12-year-old melanie and 3-year-old Madison died in the accident. Witnesses said Crawford was seen staggering around the crime scene after the accident smoking a cigarette.