This story about Russell Henderson’s failed attempt to have his life sentence commuted highlights the ongoing impact of the Matthew Shepard case.
Henderson, who was convicted for the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, recently sought to have his sentence reduced but was denied by the Wyoming Board of Parole.
Matthew Shepard’s murder sparked national outrage and eventually led to the passage of a federal hate crime law in 2009.
Although the crime is widely recognized as a hate crime due to Shepard’s sexual orientation, the case has complexities.
Former Albany County Attorney Cal Rerucha has pointed to drug use, specifically methamphetamine, as a major factor in the violence, suggesting that media narratives at the time may have overlooked this element.
He also referenced The Book of Matt by Stephen Jimenez, which explores controversial claims that Shepard and one of his attackers, Aaron McKinney, had prior connections and involvement in drug-related activities.
Henderson, now 46, was sentenced to two life sentences in 1999 for his role in the kidnapping and murder.
Although he did not receive life without parole, allowing him to apply for commutation, his latest attempt was denied by the parole board in September 2024.
He will not be eligible to apply again for another five years.