Source: Journal-Inquirer (CT) Website: http://www.journalinquirer.com/ Contact: 23 Jan 1999 LIFER FREED AFTER 20 YEARS Detroit - Michigan officials unanimously agreed Friday to release a woman sent to prison for life without parole in a 1978 heroin case, making her the first person freed under a new law that allows parole for lifers after 20 years. JeDonna Young, 44, plans to live with her mother, perhaps working at a law firm to make use of the college degree she earned while in Scott Regional Correctional Facility, where she works as a paralegal. Parole officials must approve those plans. "My client coudn't believe her ears," said her attorney, Stuart Friedman. "She's had so many false starts over the years." Ms. Young was driving with her boyfriend James Gulley in 1978 when Detroit police stopped her car and found nearly 3 pounds of heroin. Gulley said it was his; Ms. Young said she didn't know it was there. They were both convicted under a new, unforgiving anti-drug law. Gulley died in prison last year. - --- MAP posted-by: Mike Gogulski