PHOENIX, May 1 (UPI) -- The Phoenix contractor convicted of arranging the bombing that killed Arizona Republic reporter Don Bolles has asked for early release from prison.
Max Dunlap, 78, is not eligible for parole for six more years but wants to get out now because of poor health. The Arizona Board of Clemency holds a hearing Friday on his petition, the Republic reported.
The board could reject the petition based on written documents and testimony from relatives and friends of both Dunlap and Bolles. If it decides against rejection, members would hear from Dunlap in person at another hearing this summer and then make a recommendation Gov. Janet Napolitano.
Dunlap and his family argue that he suffers from medical problems -- including diabetes -- that cannot be adequately treated in prison. Bolles' family disagrees.
"I know he's old and I know he's sick, and I know he thinks he's dying, but he still doesn't get a pass," said Frances Haynes, Bolles' daughter.
Investigators said Dunlap arranged to have a bomb placed under Bolles' car in 1978 at the request of a liquor wholesaler named Kemper Marley. Bolles died 11 days after the attack.
