Killer In 1990 Pamela Smart Case Paroled From Maine Prison

The Associated Press is reporting that a New Hampshire man has been granted parole nearly 25 years after he gunned down the husband of his instructor and lover, Pamela Smart, in a case that attracted global attention.

According to the AP story, William Flynn was 16-year-old "Billy" in 1990 when he and three friends carried out what prosecutors said was Pamela Smart's plot to murder Gregg Smart. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 28 years to life in prison, minus time served before trial.

Flynn has been serving his time in Maine as part of a work release program at the Maine State Prison in Warren. Reports say Flynn will continue to live in Maine after he is released from custody.

A three-person state board granted Flynn parole on his first attempt Thursday, his 41st birthday.

Pamela Smart was 22 when her husband was killed. She was convicted of being an accomplice to first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole. She admitted seducing Flynn but said she didn't plan the murder.