Rare 2nd chance at freedom for Pa. woman serving life sentence reversed in unprecedented revote

No Coming Home

About our No Coming Home coverage

Gail Stallworth thought her life sentence for murder would be commuted until an unheard-of revote. Advocates say the PA Board of Pardons lacks transparency.

March 3, 2025

From left: Lt. Gov. Austin Davis (Commonwealth Media Services); Gail Stallworth (courtesy of Cornelius Harp); then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro at a Board of Pardons meeting (via YouTube).

by Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA

The Board of Pardons reopened the case after opposition from the victim’s family arrived two months after its first vote.

Get every Spotlight PA story and the best investigative journalism from across Pa.

Support Nonpartisan, Independent Journalism

Spotlight PA's unique investigative and public-service journalism depends on reader support.

Other Amount:

Contribute→