Parole board urged to deny Ivan Wise's release for brutal Marsha murder

The Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole convened on February 3, 2025, to review the parole application of Ivan Wise, who was convicted of a brutal murder in the 1990s. The meeting featured emotional testimonies from the victim's family and strong opposition from the district attorney's office, emphasizing the severity of Wise's crime.

During the hearing, a family member of the victim, Marsha, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting the impact on her children who have grown up without their mother. The emotional weight of her statement underscored the lasting effects of the crime on the victim's family.

District Attorney Butch Wilson presented a detailed account of the crime, describing it as a savage act that included strangulation and shooting. He argued that Wise's actions were premeditated and that he should not be granted parole. Wilson criticized Wise's dismissive attitude towards the crime, stating that his claim of it being an accident was offensive and untrustworthy. He urged the board to keep Wise incarcerated for life, asserting that he had already received leniency under outdated parole laws.

In response to questions from the board, Wise acknowledged that alcohol and drugs were involved during the incident but did not provide substantial insight into the victim's impact or the gravity of his actions. Board members expressed frustration over Wise's lack of remorse and understanding of the crime's consequences, particularly the emotional toll on the victim's family.

The meeting concluded without a decision, but the testimonies and arguments presented highlighted the complexities surrounding parole considerations, particularly in cases involving violent crimes. The board's deliberation will weigh the severity of the crime against the principles of rehabilitation and justice for the victim's family.