Sgt. Brandt “Butch” Nine

A confessed cop killer will stay in prison for at least another two years.

Darcy McPheeters, the eldest daughter of Nappanee Police Sgt. Officer Brant “Butch” Nine who was shot and killed by Michael R. Steele in 1988, said the Indiana State Parole Board this morning recommended denying Steele’s petition for clemency.

McPheeters said about a dozen people attended the parole hearing this morning, all in support of keeping Steele in prison. Steele pleaded guilty to killing Sgt. Nine and attempted murder of his partner, Phillip Hochstetler.

According to McPheeters, over 500 names were presented to the parole board on a petition and the board was also presented with “a big stack of letters” from those opposed to Steele being released.

Steele pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 years in prison for murder and 50 years for attempted murder. Since then, he has repeatedly petitioned for dismissal, modification or reductions of his sentence. In 2009, he filed a petition for clemency, but was also denied.

McPheeters said the parole board’s recommendation now goes to the governor for a final determination, but was told it could take months or years for a final decision. Steele is eligible for parole in 2043, but can apply for clemency every 2 years.