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Gov. Patrick Signs 'Three Strikes' Crime Bill Into Law

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Gov. Deval Patrick has signed into law a crime bill with a so-called three strikes provision barring parole for repeat violent offenders.

A spokeswoman for the governor said Patrick signed the bill Thursday morning in a private ceremony in his Statehouse office. The signing was not listed on his schedule and there was no public announcement prior to the event.

Among those present for the signing, according to the spokeswoman, was Les Gosule, whose daughter was raped and murdered in 1999 by a man with 27 prior convictions. Gosule has advocated for the three strikes provision for the past 13 years.

The signing of the bill ends a long emotional journey Gosule. He left the Statehouse and went right to Melissa's grave site. Gosule said, "I wanted her to know that  I'm doing my very best to keep her wishes and her beliefs going forward."

The bill passed by the Legislature in the final days of the session also reduces some mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

 

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