SIOUX FALLS (AP) – The South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles has granted the release of an 81-year-old man convicted of killing a father and son in 1984.
The board voted 5-4 Thursday to grant compassionate parole to Jennis Hofer, one of the few prisoners in the state to be considered for that type of release.
Board members say Hofer was granted parole this time because he does not pose a risk to the public, and the cost to keep him incarcerated with multiple medical conditions did not equal the interest in keeping him behind bars, the Argus Leader reported.
Hofer's attorney, Raleigh Hansman, says Hofer will be returning home to family in Tea.
Hansman says Hofer has atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and diabetes and takes more than 30 pills a day. She says he has recovered from COVID-19 within the last 10 days after contracting it in prison.
Hofer pled guilty to manslaughter for fatally shooting Andrew Wipf Sr. and Andrew Wipf Jr. Deputy Attorney General Robert Mayer spoke on the behalf of the victims’ family urging the board to show compassion for the them and reject parole for Hofer.
