Pennsylvania’s Third-Degree Murder Statute
Legal Definition: “All other kinds of murder” not classified as first- or second-degree. Essentially: killing with malice but without premeditation or during felony.
Key Elements:
- Malice (ill will, intent to harm)
- No premeditation (not planned in advance)
- No felony murder rule application
Typical Sentences:
- Range: 20-40 years
- Average time served: 15-25 years before parole
- Longest normal sentences: rarely exceed 40 years
How Edward’s Sentence Compares
Edward’s Sentence: 30-100 years
Time Served: 47 years and counting
People Who’ve Served Less Time:
- First-degree murderers with premeditation: often paroled after 25-30 years
- Second-degree murderers: often paroled after 20-25 years
- Some people convicted of killing police officers: paroled after 30 years
The Disparity Is Staggering: Edward has served nearly twice the typical maximum for third-degree murder, and he’s still denied parole.
Why His Sentence Is So Long
The Conspiracy Theory: All nine MOVE members were tried together. All were convicted under conspiracy theory:
- Even if they individually didn’t fire the fatal shot
- Even if evidence couldn’t prove who killed Officer Ramp
- They were part of group that created violent confrontation
- Therefore all equally guilty of murder
The Problem: Conspiracy liability means you can serve life for a death you didn’t cause, didn’t intend, and someone on your own side may have accidentally created.
That’s not justice. That’s collective punishment.
The Parole Denials: A History
Edward has been denied parole over 10 times since becoming eligible. Here’s the pattern:
First Denials (1990s-2000s)
Cited Reasons:
- “Insufficient time served”
- “Nature of offense”
- “Need for punishment”
Analysis: Even when he’d served 20, 25, 30 years—well beyond typical third-degree murder sentences—parole boards said “not enough time.”
Middle Denials (2010s)
Cited Reasons:
- “Lack of remorse”
- “Continued MOVE affiliation”
- “Risk to public safety”
Analysis: By now he’d served 30+ years. The reasons shifted from “time served” to “attitude” and “beliefs.” The goal posts moved.
Recent Denials (2020-2024)
Cited Reasons:
- “Lack of insight into criminal behavior”
- “Continued affiliation with organization”
- “Potential risk if released”
Analysis: Even as Edward reached his 70s, even as health failed, even as other MOVE 9 members were released, his denials continued.
The Pattern
Each denial cites essentially the same reasons:
- He won’t say he killed Officer Ramp
- He won’t denounce MOVE
- Therefore he’s “not rehabilitated”
This creates a system where release requires:
- Lying about what happened, or
- Renouncing your beliefs
That’s not rehabilitation. That’s thought control.