Laurie Troup

Laurie Troup was 28 when she was murdered during a video store robbery in Arkansas. Her mother Marge Utley and her son Joey were left devastated. One of the accomplices convicted in the murder appealed his life sentence to the U.S. Supreme Court on the basis that it violates the 8th amendment prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment. The family of Laurie Troup asked that the life sentence be upheld by the court, which they believe is entirely appropriate, given their innocent daughter’s brutal and permanent murder.

The accomplice whose sentenced was appealed to SCOTUS was later released.