Donald E. Alexander was an 18-year-old recent Lawrence High School graduate in August 1984 when he broke into an elderly woman’s home and raped and killed her.

Next month Alexander, who was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 80-year-old Marguerite Vinyard, will be eligible for parole.

On Aug. 5, 1984, Vinyard’s battered body was found in a bedroom of her home at 2100 Tenn. A few days later, Alexander, who lived near Vinyard, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, rape and aggravated burglary.

Alexander confessed to the murder while being questioned by Lawrence Police detectives. He was convicted of the charges in January 1985.

Others convicted of crimes in Douglas County also will be up for parole. They are:

Kevin R. Motin, Ellsworth Correctional Facility, three counts of burglary and one count of theft.

Joseph Lipp, Hutchinson Correctional Facility, robbery, obstruction of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of manufacturing and distributing narcotics, and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

The Kansas Parole Board will hold public comment sessions next week about possible parole for the inmates. Hearings will be at the following times and locations:

9 a.m. to noon Monday, Kansas City, Kan., City Hall, 701 N. Seventh St.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Wichita, Finney State Office Building, third floor, room 3080, 230 William.

8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Topeka, Landon State Office Building, first floor, room 106A, 900 S.W. Jackson.

Comments also can be mailed to the Parole Board in the Landon building, room 452, Topeka 66612-1220.