Gov. grants murderer's clemency request

DETROIT (AP) - A Detroit-area man serving a life sentence for the fatal stabbing of a co-worker in 1988 will be released from prison after Gov. Jennifer Granholm granted his clemency request.

Granholm's office announced her decision Wednesday. She followed the recommendation of the Michigan parole board to commute the sentence and release 43-year-old Matthew Makowski.

Makowski was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Pietro "Pete" Puma. Prisons spokesman Russ Marlan says Makowski worked with Puma at a Dearborn health club and knew he carried a lot of money.

Marlan says Makowski arranged a robbery with two other people but was not present when the 19-year-old victim apparently resisted and was stabbed.

Marlan says Makowski will remain in custody for several weeks until his release is arranged.