A Kansas man convicted of killing a state trooper in 1978 will not be granted parole after the Kansas Prisoner Review Board reversed its decision. Jimmie K. Nelms, along with another man, was sentenced to two life terms for the murder of Trooper Conroy O’Brien during a traffic stop on the Kansas Turnpike. Nelms’ accomplice, Walter Myrick, passed away in prison in 2009.
The decision to deny Nelms parole came after a new hearing held on May 16, overturning the initial approval granted by the board. The Kansas Department of Corrections announced the reversal on May 19, following criticism from various law enforcement groups. The Kansas State Troopers Association expressed relief at the board’s decision, emphasizing the importance of justice for Trooper O’Brien and all law enforcement officers.
The fatal incident occurred when O’Brien pulled over Nelms’ car for speeding, with Nelms approaching the trooper with a gun. After a confrontation, Nelms shot O’Brien twice in the head before fleeing the scene. Despite Nelms denying his involvement in the shooting, he was convicted along with Myrick of murder and kidnapping charges. Nelms has faced disciplinary issues during his time in prison, but was recently transferred to a lower-security facility in 2023. The parole decision highlights the complexities of the justice system and the impact of violent crimes on communities.
