Michigan Judge Resentenced 1990 Murder Convict
A court reduced the sentence of Jeffery Abrahamson following a state supreme court ruling on mandatory life terms.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Criminal Justice
A judge has resentenced Jeffery Abrahamson to 40 to 60 years in prison for the 1990 murder of Dave VanBogelen. The decision followed a 2025 Michigan Supreme Court ruling that deemed mandatory life-without-parole sentences for 19- and 20-year-olds unconstitutional.
Why it matters
The resentencing aligns Michigan's judicial practice with a high-court mandate regarding the constitutionality of life sentences handed down to young adults. This legal shift grants parole eligibility to individuals previously barred from release.
Abrahamson received credit for 13,087 days of time served and is expected to become eligible for parole in approximately five years. The case stems from the 1990 murder of Dave VanBogelen in Muskegon Heights.
The players
Jeffery Abrahamson
He is a convicted murderer who has served 35 years in prison for the 1990 killing of Dave VanBogelen.
Amy Lee Black
She was a co-defendant who received a reduced sentence in 2021 and was discharged from supervision in 2024.
Michigan Supreme Court
This is the highest judicial body in the state responsible for interpreting laws and setting constitutional precedents.
The details
During the hearing at the Muskegon County Courthouse, Abrahamson read a letter expressing remorse for his actions. The court applied the precedent regarding the unconstitutionality of mandatory life sentences for young defendants, which previously resulted in the parole of co-defendant Amy Lee Black.
Timeline
December 7, 1990: Dave VanBogelen was murdered in Muskegon Heights.
1991: Jeffery Abrahamson and Amy Lee Black were originally sentenced to life in prison.
2025: The Michigan Supreme Court ruled mandatory life sentences for 19- and 20-year-olds are unconstitutional.
October 8, 2026: Abrahamson received a reduced sentence in court.
Legal Context
This resentencing follows the 2025 Michigan Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life-without-parole sentences for 19- and 20-year-olds violate the state constitution. The decision marks a significant shift in how the state addresses historical sentencing for young adults convicted of capital crimes.
The resentencing confirms that the state judiciary is actively reviewing long-term sentences for young adults in response to constitutional challenges. Residents may see continued legal activity as more cases involving historical life sentences are brought before local courts.
The takeaway
The court's decision underscores the evolving legal interpretation of mandatory sentencing for young adult offenders. Future parole proceedings will determine the eventual release date for individuals impacted by this constitutional review.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Criminal Justice regarding state sentencing mandates.
