Juvenile Killer Walks Free After 48 Years | Grand Rapids News

After serving 48 years, a man convicted of murdering a 13-year-old girl in 1978 has been released — sparking outrage from the victim’s family and raising questions about justice for old juvenile cases. James Muhamet, now 66, was resentenced to 40-60 years after Michigan’s Supreme Court ruled automatic life sentences for juveniles unconstitutional. Tammi Lea Pearo’s sister, Monica Graham, called the decision heartbreaking and said her family was never notified of the hearing. Prosecutors admit notification is often lost over time unless families opt in — and many other families feel similarly betrayed. Muhamet’s accomplice died in prison in 2017, and Muhamet walked free on September 9th with no parole supervision. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2026/09/1978-murder-victims-sister-outraged-after-convicted-killer-released-from-prison.html More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1c10e5073947f603 Report issues to [email protected].