SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Two South Dakota inmates who are serving life sentences have taken the first steps to leaving their lives in prison behind.

The South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles met Wednesday morning to discuss the possibility of parole and clemency for a handful of South Dakota’s inmates, including Leonard Blue Thunder and James Nelson, who are both currently serving life sentences for murder.

South Dakota ranks 3rd in prison inmate growth

Leonard Blue Thunder, 66, was the first inmate on the agenda seeking clemency, but was unable to attend his own hearing due to being in the hospital. He was seeking clemency and a future possibility of parole.

Blue Thunder was found guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree burglary and aggravated assault back in 1991, and has been serving a life sentence since for the past 36 years.

According to Justia’s website, in 1989 Blue Thunder was in a triangle relationship involving Donna Leader Charge (Donna), her first lover Blue Thunder, and Verle Janis (Verle), her second lover and the victim of the murder. When Blue Thunder sought to regain the affections of Donna, Verle severely beat him, and Blue Thunder retaliated by going to the motel where Verle and Donna were staying and stabbing Verle with a butcher knife.

According to Chapter 24-14 of SD codified law, the Governor may, by executive order, delegate to the Board of Pardons and Paroles the authority to hear applications for pardon, commutation, reprieve, or remission of fines and forfeitures, and to make its recommendations to the Governor.

If the board votes to grant clemency to a prisoner, they will send a recommendation to the governor, where they will make a decision on granting the inmate a possibility of parole.

Raleigh Hansman, Attorney at Meierhenry Sargent, said Blue Thunder has spent his time in prison trying to better himself.

“He has been incredibly involved in the alternatives to violence program for decades, he’s a facilitator, he handles all sorts of different, native culture events also he shared with me that he’s the one who pays for the medicine man to come in here,” Hansman said.

In a vote of 9-0 the board has recommended to make Blue Thunder parole eligible, upon approval by the governor.

James Nelson, 85, appeared before the court and is currently serving a life sentence for first-degree murder. He is also the longest serving prisoner in the South Dakota prison system, being imprisoned for around 62 years.

Nelson was convicted of first-degree murder and another charge of escape from prison in 1994.

According to Justia’s website, Nelson was convicted for killing William Reed Judson, who died as a result of a gunshot wound caused by a bullet fired from a .22 caliber rifle. The wound was inflicted in a Rapid City motel apartment occupied by Nelson.

During the hearing, Nelson said, “I killed a person, I took a person’s life,” Nelson said. “I served 62 years in prison I’m 85 years old, i made a mistake but i learned from it and it cant happen again and it wont happen again.”

Nelson’s son Jeff spoke at the hearing saying he would take his father in if he were to be released. saying “I’d like to be able to know my dad.”

In a vote of 8-1 the board recommended to make Nelson parole eligible upon approval by the governor.

Aside from the two seeking clemency, there were also four people that were seeking parole.

Shannon Kilber was charged with aggravated assault, but due to several health complications, sought a compassionate parole.

Compassionate Parole is a legal provision allowing early release from prison for incarcerated individuals due to extraordinary circumstances, most often a terminal illness, serious medical condition, or advanced age that makes them a low risk to public safety.

Kilber was granted Compassionate Parole and was released into hospice care of his family or a hospice facility by a vote of 7-2.

Billy Hammond is currently charged with 1st and 3rd degree rape in 1994.

Hammond was granted parole by a vote of 8-1 he was granted parole in the state of South Dakota; however, he is currently serving a life prison sentence in Idaho, where he will remain imprisoned.

Ricky Sieler is currently serving a 105-year sentence in the South Dakota State Penitentiary for multiple felonies he committed in 1994, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and kidnapping.

In June of that year, Sieler raped and assaulted his former girlfriend. She was left with serious cuts on her throat, wrist, stomach and arm.

During his parole hearing, Peter Lieberman said Sieler is suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, saying he only has a couple of years to live at the very most

Sieler appeared before the board, and by a vote of 7-2 he was denied parole.