The Daily Southerner, Tarboro, NC

Local News

July 7, 2008

Convicted killer will not get early release from jail

T. J. ROYAL

A Tarboro man convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in January 1995 was denied parole and will not be considered for the Mutual Agreement Parole Program (MAPP).

Delvin Dickens, 36, was convicted of the Sept. 16, 1994 shooting death of Tarboro's Keith Andre Watson.

The state's Post Release Supervision and Parole Commission said Dickens' next parole review will take place on or about May 28, 2009.

In North Carolina, only inmates who committed their crimes before Oct. 1, 1994 are eligible for the MAPP scholastic and educational program. Crimes committed after that date fall under the state's current sentencing law, Structured Sentencing.

Under Structured Sentencing, inmates must serve out the entire sentence given to them by the courts.

"Structured Sentencing eliminates parole for crimes committed on or after Oct. 1, 1994," said Patsy R. Joiner, parole case analyst for the state. "However, the commission has the responsibility of paroling offenders who were sentenced under previous sentencing guidelines."

However, this does not guarantee that inmates will receive early release. Factors such as the nature of the crime committed, as well as the inmate's behavior during his incarceration, will determine whether or not the inmate will be released or qualify for programs like MAPP.

Dickens had been cited for three infractions during his prison sentence, the last of which occurred in March 2002.

Dickens was first incarcerated in Pamlico Correctional Institute, a minimum-security facility in Bayboro.

He is currently serving his sentence at Nash Correctional Institute, a minimum-security prison in Nashville.

Victims of these offenders can be notified of and become involved in the parole review process.

Any victim who would like to be notified, can submit a written request for notification of pending investigations or decisions in a case to the North Carolina Post Release Supervision and Parole Commission.

Victims may become involved in a case in two different ways.

First, victims may express their opinions about a case in writing at any time. These letters are included in the offenders file, and the commissioners take the letters into consideration during the decision-making process.

Also, victims of violent crimes whose offenders are in medium or minimum-security prisons have the right to appear before the commission in Raleigh to present information they feel is important for the commissioners to hear.

To request a meeting, victims or their families can contact the commission at 919-716-3010.

Text Only
Local News
  • (USE FRONT) One To Go.jpg Tractor pull again a success

    PINETOPS – The 36th annual Pinetops 300 Tractor and Truck Pull was just as big as the previous events on Friday and Saturday night. There was standing room only both nights. Everyone got their monies worth on Saturday night during the last event.

    May 21, 2012 3 Photos

  • gas prices.JPG Gas prices break $3.50 barrier locally

    Gasoline prices have dropped below $3.50 per gallon for the first time since 2011.
    After hitting $3.479 on Friday, prices fell another two cents per gallon Saturday at Wilco/Hess at Main and Granville in downtown and at Murphy Gas on US 258 South. By Sunday, that price had spread to at least four other outlets in town.

    May 21, 2012 1 Photo

  • Garden 1.jpg Edgecombe Garden Club presents annual awards and installs 2012-2014 officers

    At its May meeting, the Edgecombe Garden Club was presented with several awards won at the state convention in Asheville. District 12 Director Brenda Crocker made the presentations.

    May 21, 2012 3 Photos

  • May is Mental Health Month: Do More For 1 in 4

    Vidant Behavioral Health Center, a department of Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, is calling on the community to acknowledge May as Mental Health Month. The commemorative month was created more than 50 years ago by Mental Health America (MHA), a national mental health advocacy organization.

    May 18, 2012

  • Parks and Rec offers wide variety of summer activities

    Summer is a time for excitement and a time to enjoy the warm weather through various activities.
    And for the opportunity to explore your artistic, athletic or even adventurous side, the Tarboro Parks and Recreation Department welcomes children, adults and seniors to participate in a variety of summer activities, including athletic camps, water aerobics, dance classes, arts and crafts and a number of team-oriented programs.

    May 18, 2012

  • Here is a list of recreational facilities in and around Tarboro:

    Community Swimming Pool
    Poplar Street
    A swimming pool complex open to all Tarboro residents is located in the geographic center of town on Poplar Street, complete with a diving well, children's pool, competitive swimming pool, bathhouse, and patio/concession area.
    Tennis Courts

    May 18, 2012

  • keith hale .jpg Unsolved murders eat at law enforcement, too

    It's been 25 years since Roy John Rieck was found, brutally murdered, at Tarboro's Pizza Hut. Rieck, 47, was apparently closing the establishment for the night when he was stabbed at least 20 times. He was found lying in a puddle of blood at 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 31, 1987.

    May 17, 2012 3 Photos

  • AIB group Submits application

    With its 28-page community profile officially submitted, Tarboro’s America In Bloom (AIB) committee is now focused on igniting a spring cleaning buzz throughout town for the coming of the organization’s judges in June.

    May 17, 2012

  • DSCN3696.JPG Anew creation working to improve lives of youth

    Kendrick Pittman, 33, realizes everyone endures obstacles in life and is ultimately responsible for the choices he or she makes. His choice was to work to positively impact the lives of the youth in the community. 

    May 17, 2012 1 Photo

  • Muhammad satisfied with term on council

    Melvin Muhammad said he did what he intended to do during one term on the Tarboro Town Council by stirring up a little controversy. Now, after not seeking reelection,  he's ready to ride off in the sunset.

    May 16, 2012