Wisconsin mom might benefit from 1957 parole rules

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) — A Sheboygan woman convicted of killing her baby more than 50 years ago could be paroled two years sooner than prosecutors initially thought.

Seventy-seven-year-old Ruby Klokow pleaded no contest in February to second-degree murder. The charge stemmed from the death of her 6-month-old daughter in 1957.

She was sentenced in May to 10 years in prison. At the time, district attorney Joe DeCecco thought she’d be eligible for parole after 2½ years because inmates become eligible after serving a quarter of their terms.

But her case is governed by the laws in place in 1957. DeCecco said Friday it turns out she’s actually eligible for parole after six months.

Klokow’s parole hearing is set for Monday at 1 p.m. at the Sheboygan County courthouse.