ROCKFORD – A Rockford man who has spent 46 years in prison for the rape and killing of 17-year-old Louise Betts will make his 17th attempt to be released on parole. Curtis Brownell, 69, was last up for parole in 2022, when it was denied 7-1. It was the first time he ever received a vote from an Illinois Prisoner Review Board member in favor of his release. He periodically makes attempts at parole because he was sentenced under the state’s antiquated indeterminate sentencing rules. He has another chance at parole in March.