Crowe will now serve life without parole for killing Joseph Pala, a Douglas County lumber store manager, in 1998. He had already eaten what would have been his last meal and was on suicide watch when the board's decision was announced.

The parole board did not explain its decision.

Crowe's lawyer, Ann Fort, said her client was shocked by the decision and said she thought the board was swayed by Crowe's sincere remorse.

Douglas County District Attorney David McDade called the decision "an unbelievable blow to the victim's family." He said they were very upset.

Since 1995, the board has considered 24 death sentences and commuted only three. The last time was January 2004.