Georgia's scheduled execution of Stacey Humphreys has been temporarily halted by the parole board amid disputes over board member recusals and procedural issues related to his clemency hearing, with the suspension potentially lasting until further court decisions.
A parole board member in Illinois resigned after recommending the release of a felon who later attacked a pregnant woman, fatally stabbing her 11-year-old son. Governor Pritzker ordered a revamp of procedures for dealing with domestic violence cases and stated that the evidence in this case was not given the careful consideration that victims of domestic violence deserve. The case has prompted a review of procedures for sharing information on domestic violence cases and may lead to legislative changes to broaden officials' legal authority in such instances.
A parole board member in Illinois resigned after recommending the release of a felon who later attacked a pregnant woman, fatally stabbing her 11-year-old son. Governor J.B. Pritzker ordered a revamp of procedures for dealing with domestic violence cases and stated that the evidence in this case was not given the careful consideration that victims of domestic violence deserve. The case has prompted a review of procedures for sharing information on domestic violence cases and may lead to legislative changes to broaden officials' legal authority in such instances.
A parole board member in Illinois resigned after recommending the release of a felon who later attacked a pregnant woman, fatally stabbing her 11-year-old son. The handling of the case prompted Governor J.B. Pritzker to order a revamp of procedures for dealing with domestic violence situations. The felon, Crosetti Brand, had a history of violating protection orders and threatening the woman. The incident has led to calls for expanded training in domestic violence cases for the parole board and a review of procedures for sharing information on such cases.
California Governor Gavin Newsom overruled a state parole board's decision to release Derek Eugene Pettis, a gang member who murdered a minister and shot a deputy in 1994. Pettis, who was granted "youthful offender" parole, had a history of violence and substance abuse. Newsom's decision came after outrage and condemnation from prosecutors and deputies, with the governor noting that Pettis poses an unreasonable danger to society if released. Pettis will have another chance to go before the parole board in 18 months, and the governor has yet to make a decision on the pending release of another convicted murderer.
James Williams III, who was convicted of murdering his father and stepmother in 2005 when he was 17, has been released from a Mississippi prison after serving over 20 years. Despite opposition from family members and dozens of lawmakers, the state Parole Board voted to release Williams, who was granted parole after the US Supreme Court ruled that juveniles should be eligible for parole. Williams' lawyer cited his client's achievements, including a bachelor's degree in Christian ministry, as proof of his rehabilitation. Lawmakers opposed to Williams' release are vowing to bring reform to the state's parole system.