The state parole board continues its reckless policy of early release for violent felons. We previously documented some examples of the parole board’s dangerous trend of ignoring public safety when labeling inmates to be released early as “not a danger” to the public.
This past week a panel of commissioners voted to grant parole to William Bradford, who was convicted of murdering his former wife in 1988 by pumping hollow-point bullets into her body. Why? Because the panel said there was no evidence he would pose a threat to the public.
This was an extraordinary conclusion – and not just because of the cold-blooded nature of his crime. Bradford’s own daughter, Shaun Rickerl, begged the board not to release her father. She said she continues to be terrified of him.
Veteran prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, asked the board to deny Bradford parole. The reason: Not only did Lewin prosecute the case, but after Bradford was convicted, it was discovered that Bradford was plotting to murder Lewin and his family.
“This is the one guy that scares me,” Lewin told the Los Angeles Times. “How dare [the parole board] play Russian roulette with my family.”
The panel’s recommendation is not just terrifying for Rickerl and Lewin. It’s terrifying for all Californians. The board’s lack of judgment is reaffirmed continuously by their poor decisions. Governor Brown has reversed parole grants on multiple occasions. We hope he does it again.
Eric Siddall is vice president of the Association of Deputy District Attorneys, the collective bargaining agent representing nearly 1,000 Deputy District Attorneys who work for the county of Los Angeles.
Eric Siddall: Parole board’s continuing irresponsibility
- Signal Contributor
- February 9, 2018
- 8:30 am
Share on facebook
Share
Share on twitter
Tweet
Share on email
Email
Signal Contributor
Related To This Story
Norma Lindemann | Bringing Back the Smiles
April 26, 2024
Philip Wasserman | An Ethical Spoiler Alert to Ponder
April 26, 2024
Omer Murray | Props to Ken Striplin
April 25, 2024
Lynne Plambeck | Celebrations of Renewal
April 25, 2024
Gary Horton | We Watch History Being Written — IF We Watch
April 24, 2024
Latest NEWS
SCV man to attempt Alcatraz ‘escape’ swim for charity
April 26, 2024
Parks Commission to discuss The Rink
April 26, 2024
Deputies arrest 3 after carjacking
April 26, 2024