Oregon court tosses sentences for twins who killed Salem couple in 1993

The Oregon Supreme Court has tossed the nearly 67-year sentences given to twins who were 15 when they murdered an elderly couple in Salem in 1993.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the court announced Friday the sentences for Lydell White and Laycell White amounted to cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment under the 2012 landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Miller v. Alabama.

The twins' lawyer Ryan T. O'Connor said it marked the first time the high court has applied the Miller decision to sentences that aren't true life, but essentially add up to life through the number of years.

The brothers killed a couple in their 80s and stole their car. The bodies of Richard and Grace Remy were found in the bedroom of their Salem home, not far from the house where the twins reportedly lived with their mother and younger brother.

They challenged their sentence, which would have allowed their release when they reached 81. The two are now 41.

The case will return to Marion County Circuit Court for a new sentencing.