This combination of photos provided by the Michigan Department of Corrections shows Chester Lee Patterson in 1971 and in Aug. 8, 2015. Patterson has been behind bars for 45 years. At 17, he fatally shot a store clerk during a robbery. He got life with the possibility of parole after 10 years. Patterson has earned degrees, completed a substance-abuse program, worked in the library, and avoided disciplinary tickets. He's also been denied parole at least five times, according to records. He's awaiting a decision after his most recent hearing in April 2017. "I am not that same 17-year-old kid. I will never commit another crime again," Patterson wrote to The Associated Press. "I caused a terrible tragedy for which I will always be sorry and shameful. What more can I say to the family? I have been here for almost a half of a century, and the parole board is still saying no." (MDOC via AP)
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