January 9th, 2012
10:56 AM ET

2 killers pardoned by outgoing Mississippi governor

Outgoing Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour pardoned two men convicted of murder, a state official said Monday.

"David Gatlin and Joseph Ozment had received full pardons and they were released yesterday at 1 p.m.," said Suzanne Singletary, spokeswoman for the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Both men were serving life sentences, she said.

The families of the men's victims told CNN affiliates WAPT and WLBT they are outraged by Barbour's decision.

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Filed under: Crime • Haley Barbour • Mississippi
soundoff (51 Responses)
  1. Jesse Ventura

    Wow, there's a governor out there who's crazier than me.

    January 9, 2012 at 3:08 pm | Report abuse |
    • Bayliner2655

      I can't believe so many people in that state are arrested and jailed for nonviolent victimless drug crimes and he pardons murders. No wonder America is failing with leaders like this!

      January 10, 2012 at 5:48 pm | Report abuse |
  2. carlos

    money talks and convicts walk!

    always the same in america; home of the freed, land of the paid!

    January 9, 2012 at 3:17 pm | Report abuse |
  3. fernace

    I'm pretty sure there are men in Mississippi who were wrongfully convicted, languishing in prison! He could have released 2 of them & left doing a good deed! But, no, he releases 2 known, convicted murderers instead! Our politicians are going nuts w/power in our fair land! We the people have to hold them responsible in the best way we can, Voting, Peaceful Protests & Paying Attention! I hope the incoming governor can reverse this dangerous & ludicrous decision!!

    January 9, 2012 at 6:15 pm | Report abuse |
  4. gumg hoe

    Congratulations banasy first post must of gotten that finger problem fixed!

    January 9, 2012 at 6:26 pm | Report abuse |
  5. NN

    The corrections commissioner there said ".. he can't remember a case in which one of them committed another serious crime" in reference to convicted murderers pardoned under this decades old custom in the past. If they are truly reformed, they should be released.

    January 9, 2012 at 8:22 pm | Report abuse |
  6. Seriously???

    I wouldn't be one bit surprised if they witnessed some hanky panky or participated in some at that governor's mansion and that's why they are getting their pardons. Smells oddly of Sandusky to me????

    January 9, 2012 at 9:42 pm | Report abuse |
    • Cynical

      I believe something is going on, but I doubt its that they witnessed something. Who would you believe when it's their word against his – a convicted murderer serving life without parole or the sitting governor of the State of Mississippi?

      January 10, 2012 at 12:39 am | Report abuse |
  7. Joey Isotta-Fraschini ©™

    Hey!

    January 10, 2012 at 12:37 am | Report abuse |
  8. dre

    What a sick person Barbour must be.

    January 10, 2012 at 11:37 am | Report abuse |
  9. sara

    I'm waiting for the "WILLIE HORTON" Mugshot! Put a face on it.

    January 12, 2012 at 8:16 am | Report abuse |
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