Father Lawrence DeLisle Seeks Clemency After 35 Years in Prison for Children's Drowning

After being convicted of murder in the drowning deaths of his four children in 1989, a Michigan man is now seeking clemency, maintaining that the incident was a tragic accident. Lawrence DeLisle, 63, who was sentenced to five life sentences without parole for first-degree murder and attempted murder, has appealed to the Michigan Parole Board to recommend a commuted sentence, asserting that a leg cramp caused him to inadvertently accelerate and drive the car into the Detroit River, resulting in the tragic deaths of his children.

The Tragic Incident

The tragic incident occurred on August 3, 1989, when DeLisle and his wife crashed their car into the Detroit River after reportedly hitting a road barrier. Although both DeLisle and his wife managed to escape, their four children, 8-year-old Bryan Delisle, 4-year-old Melissa Delisle, 2-year-old Kathryn Delisle, and 8-month-old Emily Delisle, drowned in the car. DeLisle's wife claimed she attempted to grab the steering wheel from her husband but was unsuccessful. Subsequently, DeLisle was convicted and given the severe sentencing.

The Clemency Plea

In his plea for clemency, DeLisle emphasized that he never intended to harm his children and expressed deep remorse for the tragic loss. He asserted that he was unable to apply the brakes as the vehicle headed towards the river and stated that his mind went blank during the horrifying ordeal. Notably, DeLisle has already served 35 years behind bars and has maintained a clean conduct record throughout his imprisonment. His plea for clemency now lies in the hands of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who possesses the authority to shorten his prison term.

Support and Opposition

Despite DeLisle's plea, opinions regarding his case remain divided. While his attorneys argue that his confession was coerced and that the extensive media coverage influenced the fairness of his trial, Judge Robert Colombo Jr., who presided over the original case, firmly believes that the jury made the correct decision. Colombo has dismissed the notion of clemency and labeled DeLisle as a "mass murderer." However, the Innocence Clinic at the University of Michigan's law school and Northwestern University's law school have rallied behind DeLisle, contending that the tragic car crash was an accident, emphasizing that he does not pose a threat to society.

The Road Ahead

DeLisle's plea for clemency has sparked discussions and deliberations, reigniting the tragic events of 1989. As the Michigan Parole Board convenes to consider his case and potentially make a recommendation, the final decision rests with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Whether DeLisle's plea for clemency will be granted, or if he will continue to serve his life sentences, remains to be seen.