Court to decide if Robert Tulloch deserves life without parole for double murder

In New Hampshire, Robert Tulloch, who was 17 at the time of the 2001 murders, is facing a resentencing hearing for the deaths of Half and Susanne Zantop, professors at Dartmouth College. Tulloch had pleaded guilty to the brutal stabbing deaths as part of a robbery plan he devised with his best friend, James Parker, who was also implicated. The heinous nature of the crime captures significant public attention due to the youth of the offenders and the profound consequences of their actions. In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life sentences without parole for juveniles are a form of cruel and unusual punishment, creating the foundation for Tulloch's current challenge. The legal battle has arisen over the constitutionality of life sentences for juvenile offenders in New Hampshire, with the state's attorney general’s office yet to recommend a sentencing term. The courts are now tasked with determining the potential for rehabilitation for Tulloch, who has spent years in prison contemplating his actions. During the recent proceedings, Tulloch’s lawyer, Richard Guerriero, argued that the New Hampshire Constitution does not permit life sentences without the possibility of parole for someone who was a minor at the time of the offense. This position is, however, contested by the state’s attorney general, who maintains that the sentence could still be justified. A judge noted that establishing whether a juvenile is permanently incapable of change is vital, and the ruling on this case will have broader implications for juvenile sentencing across the state. The discussions surrounding the case extend to the implications of juvenile justice reform. With at least 28 other states banning life without parole for juvenile offenders, New Hampshire’s lack of similar legislation highlights the ongoing national debate. Tulloch’s case exemplifies the difficulties in balancing justice for heinous crimes with the potential for rehabilitation in young individuals. As the New Hampshire Supreme Court prepares to consider this case, the outcome could set a significant precedent in the state’s approach to juvenile crime and sentencing.