The North Carolina Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission has announced that it is investigating the possibility of parole for Billy R. Copley, according to an official media notification. Copley, inmate number 0087528, was convicted on December 6, 1993, in Moore County Superior Court for first-degree statutory rape and first-degree forcible sex offense, leading to a life sentence under the case numbers 93CRS003378 and 93CRS003380.
This review comes as part of the Commission's duty under North Carolina G.S. 15A-1371(3) to annually evaluate offenders who are eligible for parole. The current sentencing law, known as Structured Sentencing, abolishes parole for crimes that were committed on or after October 1, 1994. However, Copley's sentencing predates this legislation, placing him under the jurisdiction of the Commission for parole consideration. While the state has moved towards more definitive sentencing structures in recent years, inmates like Copley remain relics of a previous legal paradigm - one where the specter of parole still looms.
The parole investigation will account for information both supporting and opposing the release of Copley. In detailing the process, the Commission stated that "Information gathered during the investigation from persons for and against parole of the individual, as well as the fact of the case, will be considered by the Commission in making its decision." The final decision on Copley's parole, following the investigation, will be communicated within ten days of its conclusion.
Individuals who have opinions on the matter or desire further details can reach out to the Parole Commission directly. For more information on the case or inquiries related to the parole process, interested parties may contact the Parole Commission by calling (919) 716–3010, or by visiting the Commission's website through the official notice at this link.
