Wolf Commutes Sentences Of 3 Convicted Allegheny Co. Murderers

HARRISBURG, PA — Three convicted murderers from Allegheny County were among 13 across the state whose sentences were commuted by Gov. Tom Wolf. Previously sentenced to life in prison, they soon will be transferred to a community corrections center before being paroled, according to the governor's office.

The trio includes Charlie J. Goldblum, 71, Allegheny, who served 42 years for first-degree murder. Goldblum and another man were convicted in the February 1976 death of George Wilhelm, who was stabbed 26 times inside a car at the Smithfield Forbes Garage, Downtown.

Goldblum had steadfastly maintained his innocence; his supporters petitioned the Board of Pardons for his release over the years. Oddly enough, they included Judge Donald Ziegler, who presided over Goldblum's trial, and prosecutor Peter Dixon.

Avis Lee, 59, who served 40 years for a second-degree murder conviction, also had her sentence commuted. In 1979, she was a lookout in an armed robbery. When the victim resisted the attempt, the robber shot him to death.

Eric Eisen, 52, who served 26 years for a second-degree murder conviction, also will be released. He was convicted in the 1993 killing of Daniel J. Bostedo, 24, during a robbery attempt.

Lt. Gov. Fetterman chairs the five-member pardons board that must vote unanimously on
applications for commutations of life sentences to pass the recommendations to the governor. Regarding the commutations, he said, "Each of these Pennsylvanians is fully deserving of the chance to return to their families and start a new life."