Montana Governor Considering Clemency in 1979 Murder Case

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock promises "careful consideration" of a clemency request from a man who's spent three decades in prison for the 1979 murder of a high school classmate.

Bullock previously suggested he would look favorably on the request from Barry Beach, who has steadfastly denied beating to death 17-year-old Kim Nees in Poplar.

Beach is serving 100 years in prison.

Bullock asked the state parole board last year to consider whether Beach had served enough time, noting he was a 17-year-old juvenile at the time of the crime and his good behavior in prison.

The board forwarded Beach's clemency to Bullock Thursday.

Beach was released for 18 months beginning in 2011 for a new trial. The state Supreme Court blocked the new trial, sending him back to prison.