Wash. Police Shooting: THV Learns More On Clemmons' Criminal Past

Pulaski County Judge Marion Humphrey sat in his office Monday reviewing Maurice Clemmons' criminal history.

"It is just a horrible thing that has occurred," he says.

In 2000, Humphrey urged clemency for Clemmons. His consideration was based on Clemmons' age at the time.

"I do believe in mercy. I believe in a second chance. I'm a Christian," Humphrey explains.

Now though, he says he is horrified that the man he recommended for leniency would be accused of killing four police officers.

He says, "In his case, if I had any remote indication that he might do something like this then of course I would do something differently."

Maurice Clemmons was born in Marianna, Ark., and moved to Little Rock as a teen. He attended Hall High School up to the 11th grade.

In 1989, the 17-year-old was arrested and later convicted for bringing a gun to school. That same year he was convicted of aggravated robbery. He was granted clemency in 2000 after serving 11 years of a combined 108 year sentence. He then moved to a home on Winchester Street.

In 2001, he allegedly robbed a couple at gunpoint at a Little Rock hotel. Charges were later dropped because it took three years for police to serve the arrest warrant. However, he was sent to prison for another robbery from 2001 in Ouachita County. He was paroled in 2004.

Humphrey says, "It looked as though he was a person that was trying to make a change in his life."

In fact, Humphrey presided over Clemmons' wedding. Following the ceremony, the couple moved to Washington where his violence allegedly continued with eight felony charges. Just seven days ago, he was released on bond on a pending child rape charge.

Still, Humphrey calls the Washington police shooting unpredictable. He explains, "I think there were a whole lot of opportunities where Maurice could have been held and a whole lot subsequent to him coming through here years ago."

Today's THV has have received information that police in Washington are also searching for Clemmons' wife. They say she may be on her way to Arkansas.