Colorado Governor Hickenlooper orders release for inmate sentenced to life as teen

DENVER (KDVR/AP) -- Nearly two decades after a decision and her client sentenced, Hollyn Haskins still couldn't let go of one case from 1995.

“It was devastating,” Haskins said. “I was a young public defender representing a 15-year-old with no family guidance or support, facing a mandatory life sentence.”

Her client, Curtis Brooks was 15 and homeless in 1995 when three teenagers recruited him to help steal a car in exchange for a place to stay in Aurora. One of the teenagers shot 24-year-old Christopher Ramos that day, killing him.

Because of the law at the time, even though Brooks didn't pull the trigger, he was charged with first-degree murder and sentenced for life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“This is a case where there was severe racial sentencing disparities,” Haskins said. “You had a white 13-year-old who was more culpable with a criminal history and only did four years.”

A Supreme Court ruling in 2012 determined that life without parole sentences for juveniles are unconstitutional. Friday, Governor John Hickenlooper pardoned Brooks, citing that ruling and Brooks exemplary rehabilitation in prison.

Brooks has earned his GED and enrolled in college courses, and received a recommendation from the warden at Arkansas Valley Correctional. Haskins says the judge in the case, the lead investigator, a juror, and prosecutors all recommended Brooks receive a pardon.

Hickenlooper on Friday ordered that Brooks be released on July 1.