COVINGTON, Ky. — A convicted murderer and rapist could have the chance to be released from prison.


What You Need To Know

  • Gregory Wilson, who has served 36 years in prison for murdering and raping Debbie Pooley, had a parole hearing this week

  • Friends and family of Debbie Pooley explained to members of the Kentucky parole board why they believe Gregory Wilson must be kept in prison

  • Wilson has admitted to several other rapes

  • He told the board members he has been reformed, and that his violent actions stem from his own abuse as a child

Friends and family of Debbie Pooley explained to members of the Kentucky parole board why they believe Gregory Wilson must be kept in prison this week.

Wilson, who has served 36 years and seven months, got his own chance to speak to the board Tuesday, Jan. 23.

Pooley was kidnapped, raped and strangled to death in 1987. She was returning to her home in Covington after shopping with a friend. Gregory Wilson was found guilty of those acts in 1988. He explained what happened to members of a parole board.

Debbie Pooley was killed in 1987 while returning to her Covington apartment. (Spectrum News 1/Sam Knef)

“I had forced Miss Pooley into the back of the car. And the act of rape. And foolishly strangled the young lady out of fear of being caught. It’s hard to talk about,” Wilson said. “Just something that just happened. Just being out, ripping and running the streets. Some place where I shouldn’t have been. Like I said, I’ve had a very troubled life since adolescence. Those problems come out.”

Wilson’s fate was changed from death to life with a chance at parole when outgoing Gov. Matt Bevin, R-Ky., commuted his sentence in 2019.

On Monday, Jan. 22, Pooley’s nieces Ami and Keri had their chance to explain to members of the parole board why they believe Wilson should serve out his sentence.

“The power to end this story. To finally give my family closure rests with you and the parole board,” Ami said. “Let this be the final chapter in a story marred by pain and suffering.”

“If Gregory Wilson is truly reformed, which is what I’m sure you’ll hear, let him make a difference where he is in jail,” Keri said. “But please, please let us have peace for Debbie.”

Joe Heil, Pooley’s former boss, also spoke to the board members.

“This happened 30 days after Wilson had been paroled from Ohio, where he had served 12 years for multiple rapes,” Heil said. “And I hope the decision that lies before you will not duplicate the inexplicable findings that the Ohio parole board had let this callous criminal set free. The citizens of the commonwealth deserve to feel safe from him. He is a threat to society.”

Rob Sanders, Commonwealth Attorney for Kenton County, also made a case against Wilson being released.

“It will be a threat to the lives of women everywhere if he is let out. I hope this is one of the easiest decisions you’ll ever make,” Sanders said.

Wilson has admitted to several other rapes. He told the board members he has been reformed, and that his violent actions stem from his own abuse as a child.

“I’m sorry for the things I’ve done. I worked to try to better myself mentally, psychologically, and deal with my emotional problems that stem from my childhood,” Wilson said. “I did some horrible things. I don’t want to sit here and make any more excuses. I take full responsibility for the things I did. But psychologically, emotionally, mentally, it devastated me. I wasn’t born evil.”

However, when asked if he deserves parole, Wilson said, “Parole is a privilege. I don’t deserve anything. I’m at the mercy of the state and government. I understand what I’ve done.”

Wilson’s convictions had previously been appealed four times, and each time upheld.

The two members of the parole board that led the hearing, Sharon Hardesty and Leigh Wiggins, say they will convene with the full board. They are expected to decide on Monday, Jan. 29. The options include granting Wilson parole, deferment out to 10 years, or Wilson serving out his sentence.