Barry Beach

Barry Allan Beach (born February 15, 1962) According to Via's personnel file, he was suspended without pay on at least four occasions, placed on one-year probation, twice threatened with the possibility of termination, and ordered to undergo a neurological examination to ascertain whether there was anything "organically or physically wrong with his ability to think and remember". Via was also accused of soliciting a false testimony in another murder case.

House Bill 43 On January 23, 2015, the Montana House approved House Bill 43 on an 86-to-14 vote. The bill, which grew out of Beach's case, says the governor can consider any clemency application regardless of the board's recommendation. It also says the governor can order the board to have a hearing on a clemency request if the board denies a hearing.