Hensley, originally convicted of first-degree murder for the beating death of Noble after rejected romantic advances, had his conviction changed to second-degree murder, resulting in a sentence of 15 years to life. Testimony from Hensley’s ex-fiancée, Dana Margulies, revealing his violent behavior was pivotal in the trial. Despite opposition from Noble's family during parole hearings, Hensley was found suitable for release based on lack of rule violations and laws relating to youthful offenders and elder parole.
Hensley made romantic overtures to Noble, which were rejected. He made an effort one night to get romantic with her, to get physical with her. She declined it and he beat her to death.
According to Wagstaffe, the jurors were most impressed by the testimony of Dana Margulies, Hensley's ex-fiancée in Virginia. Her graphic testimony, plus circumstantial evidence, clinched a guilty verdict of first-degree murder.
Hensley successfully appealed and changed the conviction to second-degree murder, with a sentence of 15 years to life. Hensley appeared to admit responsibility for Noble's death when he told a parole board he hit his roommate with a champagne bottle.
The parole board considered the Youthful Offender Law and the Elder Parole Law, ultimately finding Hensley suitable for release. The board noted that Hensley had not had any recent rule violations at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
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