Man sentenced to life in prison for rape granted parole; another man convicted of rape being considered

(WWAY) — A man has been granted parole following a conviction for rape decades ago. Another man is being considered for parole.

Eddie Radford was convicted in New Hanover County of first degree rape on June 2, 1982. He has been approved for parole.

Terry Smith was convicted in Columbus County of rape of a child less than 13 on May 2, 1991.

Information gathered during the investigation from persons for and against parole of the individual, as well as the facts of the case, will be considered by the Commission in making its decision. Upon completion of the investigation, the Commission will render their final decision, according to a press release.

The state’s current sentencing law, Structured Sentencing, eliminates parole for crimes committed on or after Oct. 1, 1994. However, the Commission says they have the responsibility of paroling offenders who were sentenced under previous sentencing guidelines.