Amy Lee Black of West Michigan, who was sentenced to life at age 16, will be paroled next month after serving 32 years, a correctional spokeswoman revealed Monday, August 8.
Amy Lee Black, 47, who was convicted of the 1990 Muskegon County murder of Dave VanBogelen, will be released from Huron Valley Women’s Correctional Facility in the first week of September, according to Michigan Department’s Chris Gautz. ofCorrections.
His sentence was reportedly reduced in 2012 after the United States Supreme Court ruled that life sentences for minors constituted cruel and unusual punishment. She received a sentence ranging from 35 to 60 years in August 2021.
Amy Lee Black was sentenced to life in prison for killing a Muskegon County man
Amy Lee Black would have regretted her act during her first sentencing
Black and his 50-year-old partner, Jeffrey Abrahamson, were convicted of first degree murder and armed robbery in connection with the December 7, 1990 murder of VanBogelen.
After being beaten and stabbed, VanBogelen was dumped in Fruitport Township on a side road. In addition to stealing $1,500 from the man, Black and Abrahamson allegedly did so. Both were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
According to court documents, Amy Lee Black was ordered to pay $1.87 million in restitution to the victim or the victim’s estate. Muskegon County Circuit Judge William C. Marietti issued the restitution decision following a hearing on July 29, 2022.
The VanBogelen family was first notified of Amy Lee Black’s impending release during the July 29 hearing via videoconference.
Barb VanBogelen, the victim’s wife, told multiple sources that no agency has yet notified her family of Black’s release.
A few members of the VanBogelen family left the courtroom after the judge read the reduced sentence. Some people turned away and covered their ears as Black spoke.
