The man convicted of raping and killing a 12-year-old girl in Binghamton back in 1984 could potentially be released from prison at the end of the month.

James Wales was sentenced to 33 years to life in prison for the crimes against Cheri Lindsey. But now, a community is fighting back.

"This was one of the worst and most heinous crimes ever committed in Broome County,“ said Mike Korchak, District Attorney, Broome County.

It was March 26, 1984; a day that started off like any other. Twelve-year-old Cheri Lindsey was out on her paper route in the city of Binghamton. But as her parents waited for her to come home that morning, she would never return.

Following a massive search, Lindsey was found one day later, raped, and murdered in the basement of the home of James Wales. He was later arrested, and eventually sentenced to 33 and a third years in state prison. Now, 38 years later, he’s up for parole.

What You Need To Know

  • James Wales was sentenced to 33 years to life in prison for the crimes against Cheri Lindsey

  • Lindsey’s father Dave was a Binghamton police sergeant, who, just weeks before a potential parole hearing, passed away at 81

  • District Attorney Mike Korchak is now spreading the word about ways the community can write letters to the parole board, urging the courts to keep Wales behind bars

 

"My fear is that the New York State Parole boards are leaning towards what they call releasing older inmates. And we still believe that this individual is a danger to the community and should never be let out of jail for the rest of his life,” said Korchak.

Lindsey’s father Dave was a Binghamton police sergeant, who, just weeks before a potential parole hearing, passed away at 81. He fought for justice since day one, even working to get a park named in her honor, just down the road from where the tragedy took place.

"Dave Lindsey was a pillar of our community and I've met with him on several occasions. I've also met his family. And again, it's unfortunate that he passed before he could find out what the results of the parole hearing are,” said Korchak.

District Attorney Mike Korchak is now spreading the word about ways the community can write letters to the parole board, urging the courts to keep Wales behind bars. He says he’s been blown away by the response.

"I've had individuals call me who weren't even born at the time that this happened. Asking where they can contact parole, who they can email, who they can write a letter to, to make sure that James Wells never walks the streets of our community again,” said Korchak.

Wales has been up for parole on two prior occasions in the last 38 years. In both instances, he was denied.