Opry Star David ‘Stringbean’ Akeman’s Killer Up for Parole

The man convicted for the murder of Grand Ol' Opry and 'Hee Haw' star Stringbean and his wife is being considered for parole today.

On the evening of November 10th, 1973, Stringbean, whose real name is David Akeman, and his wife Estelle, returned to their cabin following an appearance at the Grand Ol' Opry. Unbeknownst to them, John A Brown and his cousin Doug M. Brown were waiting to ambush them.

Both men were convicted and received two life sentences each. Doug Brown died in prison in 2003. John Brown has appeared before the parole board a total of four times. The newspaper The Tennessean reports one board member will make a recommendation today, but an official decision from the rest of the board could take a couple of weeks.

Stringbean and Estelle's bodies were found by Opry and Hee Haw costar Grandpa Jones the following morning. Jones' wife, Ramona, was one of the first people on the scene. She wrote to the parole board, stating, "He still murdered two very innocent people." She added, "Don't let him out."