Man Commuted From Life Sentence Has Hearing In Delco Theft Case

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — A Philadelphia man whose life sentenced was recently commuted but threatened with jail over a 1992 Delaware County theft case was released from custody Monday, Dec. 9, but will face trial for the theft, court records show.

David Sheppard, 54, was released on his own recognizance with no bail condidtions Monday after an appearance in a Delaware County court in connection with a misdemeanor retail theft charge.

Court documents show he will appear for a trial on Jan. 21, 2020.

Sheppard was given a life sentence for his role in a Philadelphia pharmacy robbery that left the owner dead in 1992.

Gov. Tom Wolf commuted his sentence recently, but Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun Copeland plans to pursue charges against Sheppard in relation to the theft of five pairs of jeans from a Springfield store. That crime occurred in 1992, as well.

However, Sheppard failed to show up for his preliminary hearing regarding the theft and an arrest warrant was issued.

Last week, Kim Kardashian let her millions of social media followers know her opinion on an eye-catching criminal case in Delaware County in which a man recently released from a life sentence will face jail time over a 1992 theft in Springfield Township.

Kardashian tweeted Friday, Dec. 6 about David Sheppard.

Kardashian, who has recently become a criminal justice reform advocate who secure the release of Alice Marie Johnson who was serving life in prison for a first-time nonviolent offense, said this was a case of "sheer abuse of prosecutorial authority."

Copeland's decision was criticized by Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and Delaware County District Attorney-elect Jack Stollsteimer.