Tribune, Cosby’s release does not seem to be a possibility. The Department of Corrections press secretary,
Maria A. Bivens, revealed, “The PA DOC [Department of Corrections] does not have the authority to release inmates. The authority to release would come as a court order, pardon, commutation or parole action. Based on the reprieve criteria exempting sex offenders, inmate Cosby is not eligible for a reprieve.”
It seems that Cosby and his team are keeping their faith. Wyatt also said to
USA Today, “We remain hopeful and prayerful that the PA State Supreme Court will vacate Mr. Cosby’s false imprisonment, due to Mr. Cosby having immunity. If that’s not the case, we are hopeful and prayerful that the PA State Supreme Court will warrant Mr. Cosby a new trial.”
Relatives and allies of prison inmates demanded the release of special populations and further protection against COVID-19 at a candlelight vigil held in front of Gov. Tom Wolfâs local office Tuesday.
About 20 demonstrators gathered at the effort, organized by The Coalition to Abolish Death By Incarceration, holding candles and signs, including one that stated Wolf had âblood on his hands.â
âWe are going to continue to advocate for the governor to exercise his reprieve power for vulnerable populations which are seniors, people with autoimmune diseases, and specifically for him to release Russell Shoats, a 77-year-old who tested positive for COVID and is battling stage 4 cancer,â said Robert Saleem Holbrook, Executive Director of the Abolitionist Law Center. âHe is [preparing] for surgery. Heâs been in prison for 50 years. We are [demanding] Governor Wolf release this prisoner to go home and spend his last time with his family.â