The violent death of an 8-year-old Lawrence County boy has prompted a state lawmaker to call for changes in the state’s parole process.

State Rep. Aaron Bernstine, whose district covers parts of Butler, Lawrence and Beaver counties, plans to introduce a bill known as Markie’s Law.

The bill, named for the young New Castle victim, aims to increase minimum prison sentences by two years for each additional violent offense conviction an inmate gets while incarcerated.

A third year would be added if an inmate attempted to escape prison, smuggle contraband or retaliate against witnesses.

“Too many violent offenders, once they’ve committed violent acts in prison, are being released at their minimum, Bernstine said. “Our legislation changes that and ensures we are keeping violent criminal behind bars.”

Keith Burley Jr., 43, of Edinburg, Lawrence County, is accused of repeatedly stabbing his girlfriend’s 8-year-old son, Markie Mason, while apparently telling the boy to “die” on July 8, according to authorities.

Police said Burley was released on parole just three months before Markie’s death after serving a lengthy stint in state prison for a 1999 homicide.

Burley’s arrest caught the attention of the state corrections officers’ union and county prosecutors, who questioned why someone with a violent history had been paroled.

During his first 13 years in prison, Burley twice pleaded guilty to assaulting other prisoners, was often cited for fighting or assault, and received 17 misconducts, according to a just-completed state review of parole procedures.

The review was prompted by six homicides — including Markie’s — police say were committed by five parolees between May and July.

A study by the U.S. Department of Justice shows five in six (83 percent) state prisoners released in 2005 across 30 states were arrested at least once during the nine years following their release, indicating that attempts at rehabilitation during incarceration have not been successful. Nearly half of those were arrested less than a year after their release.

Violent acts while incarcerated show a propensity for additional violent acts upon release.

Bernstine’s bill is a step in the right direction.

We are not suggesting that violent offenders should not be released after serving their time, but The Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole needs to take a closer look at an inmate’s behavior behind bars before freeing him or her.

It’s time we make it more difficult for repeat violent offenders to be placed back into society where they potentially could harm others.