Hearing suddenly postponed as convicted North Kingstown killer seeks parole for ninth time

North Kingstown convicted killer seeks parole for ninth time, Monday's hearing suddenly postponed

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — A notorious, now elderly killer from North Kingstown is once again looking to get out on parole.

72-year-old James Hughes III’s case appeared before the Rhode Island Parole Board for the ninth time Monday.

This time around, Hughes is asking for medical geriatric parole.

“Any release of such a dangerous person is just going to endanger the community,” North Kingstown Police Chief John Urban said.

The family of Howard ‘Zeke’ Harris showed up to Monday morning’s hearing to continue to push against the release of their grandfather’s murderer.

“It’s a slap in the face,” said Krista Rousseau, Harris’ granddaughter.

Monday afternoon, the Harris family was told there won’t be a decision just yet.

Rousseau was joined by her sister, her cousin, and police as they relieved the horrors of 1982.

“We hear all the time, good memories of him but unfortunately for us it’s always overshadowed by the way that he died, and he didn’t get to choose the way that he died, there was no geriatric or medical reprieve for him,” Rousseau said.

Hughes beat 79-year-old Harris to death with a hammer after he was caught rummaging through a desk at the furniture store Harris owned in North Kingstown.

Hughes ran off with just $70 after the brutal murder.

Retired Detective Lt. Louis Narciso was on the case at the time.

“I still think about it, when this comes up, I can still see the whole situation from beginning to end,” Narciso said. “I still see Mr. Harris lying on the ground after being severely beaten.”

Rousseau, her sister, and her cousin said they come to every hearing to show support for their grandfather and to protect the community.

“I just hope that they keep him in prison,” Rousseau said.

“We just hope he stays in jail, forever, until the last days of his life, just keep him there, then everyone will be safe,” said Rousseau’s sister Bethanie Sherman.

Harris’ family was told a decision will not be made Monday afternoon after finding out Hughes was not available.

The hearing is now postponed until March 10.

According to Rhode Island law, medical or geriatric parole allows those convicted to be released from prison due to medical issues and to alleviate expenses that come along with aging.