Man who murdered banjo-picking Hee Haw comedian David 'Stringbean' Akeman granted parole after 40 years. The killer of Grand Ole Opry and 'Hee Haw' comic David 'Stringbean' Akeman and his wife Estelle was granted parole Wednesday after 40 years in prison. John A. Brown, 64, was originally sentenced to 198 years, and the board has denied several previous parole requests. His latest request came in April.