Parole denied in 1994 slaying of pregnant woman
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota corrections officials have denied parole for a man convicted of killing a pregnant mother in 1994.
Fifty-year-old Joaquin Jack Ramos pleaded his case for parole during a hearing Wednesday at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. Ramos was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the death of Debbie Jo Martines. She was 27 years old and pregnant with her fourth child when she was fatally shot in Rapid Valley.
About 10 people, including Martines’ family, friends and the case’s original prosecutor, Pennington County State’s Attorney Mark Vargo, came to the hearing in opposition of Ramos’ parole. Each said they don’t think Ramos has changed or taken responsibility for the crime.
AP-WF-01-17-19 1423GMT