Parole Opposition Letter Requests

2 PAROLE OPPOSITION LETTER REQUESTS FOR MURDERERS:
(To post a letter on this page, please call (209)728-2873, or email cahvadvocate@yahoo.com.

John Matthew Ray (murdered Chad Jeffrey Norris), and Jose Gonzalez (murdered James and Essie Effron).

WE NEED YOUR HELP TODAY! Some of these parole hearings are imminent. Please 'copy and paste' the pre-written letters below and send to the parole boards. The victims' families thank you.

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Lower down on the page you'll also find:

1. Guidelines for writing an effective parole opposition letter.
2. How to provide special help with email chain letters.
3. A confidentiality recommendation for parole protest letters.
4. "A Victim's Guide to the California Parole Hearing Process."
5. How to request compensation for travel costs to a CA parole hearing.
6. Parole hearing decisions for:
Brian Laudenback, Johnnie L. Spruill, Gerald James Youngberg, David Archer, Robert Shippman, William Ray Hall, Jr., David Priest, Mark Allen Reese,Christopher Fowler, Kenneth Valjean Jones, Brian Dennis Shannon, Dexter Coleman, Franklin Delano Simon Jr., Joseph Lee Daily, Mark Alan Koper, Norman Simmons, Gregory Coates, Stanley Darl Hunter, Craig Anderson, Francisco Eric Rubio, William Robert Geiger, Mark Jay Baker, Darryl Poole, Michael L. Grant, David E. Archer, Philip Clark Watts, Clifford Kenneth Myelle, Warren Robert Bozzo, Denise Fitzpatrick Poer, Robert John Mahoney, Roger E. Chavez, Hiroyasu Rody Itai, Richard Lamar Leaman, Steven Burns, Barbara P. Hernandez, Robert T. Mattos, Gean Baptiste Gamio, Jeffery Paul Perrotte, William Walter Nichols, Simon Macias, Stephen Metz, Silas Elijah Robinson, Chuck Edward Johnson, Bruce Haims, Jack Vian Jr., De Ellen Bellah, Mark Allen Reese and Kenneth V. Jones.

SAMPLE THANK YOU LETTERS FROM VICTIMS' FAMILIES:

"I'm ecstatic to inform you that Dexter Coleman has decided to waive his right to a parole hearing for two years. I'm sure it is due to the overwhelming amount of Opposition Letters that were received. I know in my heart that if we had gone to the parole heairng without all of your support and letters he would have been released. I thank your organization and everyone who took time to send a letter. I also want everyone to know that I read every letter and personal note I received. Every story touched my heart. Thank you all again and Bless you all. All my love."
--A. H. McLellan, victim Aron Hagan's sister.
September 2011 murderer Coleman waived parole hearing for 2 years.

"To all of our family and friends who have been so faithful with your prayers and support in writing letters, we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Greg Coates' parole was denied, and this time for 10 years,... This 10 year denial will give ample time for healing and reprieve from having to think about this monster for a whole decade! God is GOOD!!!!! The Parole Commissioners were blown away from the number of letters received opposing his release and to that, once again, we say thank you. We had over 150!! Your support helps us to gain mementum and gives us strength to continue this fight for justice. We are grateful and appreciate each and every one of you! God Bless you!
--R. Stephens and Family 2011, murderer Coates received 10 more years.

"The (parole) board told my husband that they received about 250-300 letters. We are most grateful for all the support we received from your organization! The parole board was very impressed with the amount of letters received. I know I networked about 100 letters, so that means we were supported by 150-200 of your supporters! Thank you!"
--D. Finetti 2010, murderer Mattos received 7 more years.

"Thank you for all the letters you sent in opposing the parole of Richard Lamar Leaman. Our thanks goes to each person that sent in the letters, you are awesome people. No one could ask for better support, than what you can get from CAH. God Bless you all."
--E. and J. Goodson 2010, murderer Leaman received 5 more years.

"There were several hundred protest letters in all. Some from CAH supporters; others from family and friends. We believe it does make a difference when the commissioners acknowledge the large stack of protest letters sitting in front of them."
--G. Erasmy 2010, murderer Mahoney received 5 more years.

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2 Parole Opposition Letter Requests:

1. John Matthew Ray - CDC# J-16432. NEW LISTING AS OF JANUARY 12, 2012.

Parole Hearing Date is March 1, 2012.

(If you carefully click in front of the (Date) below and drag downward to (Your name), the pre-written letter should fit on just one 'copy and paste' page.)

(Date) Insert mailing date.

California State Prison Solano
P.O. Box 4000
Vacaville, CA 95696
ATTN: Classification and Parole Representative

RE: John Matthew Ray - CDC# J-16432
Parole Hearing Date: March 1, 2012

Dear Chairman and Parole Board Members:

Please DO NOT grant a parole date to convicted murderer, John Matthew Ray. On June 16, 1993, Ray brutally and senselessly murdered 20-year-old Chad Jeffrey Norris. Chad and two (2) friends had innocently entered a local Albertson's in Fairfield, CA. According to witnesses, John Ray (and an accomplice) were confrontational and displayed volatile behavior toward several customers (including cashiers). Ray then focused his inciting and vicious behavior toward three (3) innocent strangers, Chad and his two friends. They made every attempt to avoid Ray; even exiting the store from a door at the opposite end of the building. As the young men walked through the parking lot, they were attacked from behind by the persistent assailants. Chad's friend was able to fend of Ray; after which he and his accomplice then ran off into the night. Once safely reaching their apartment, Chad and his friends realized they must have dropped a rented video. Believing they were free of any further danger, the young men immediately left to retrieve the video. They could never have imagined...that this convicted murderer and accomplice were driving the apartment complex parking lot, hunting for them. As Chad and his friends crossed the street, an unlit vehicle sped from the darkness - John Ray aimed and fired a semi-automatic handgun; loaded with "Black Talon" bullets. Chad Jeffrey Norris was struck three times and lay dead in the street. Ray planned and carried out this senseless and premeditated act of murder.

On March 1, 2012, Chad Norris' family and friends will, once again, have to relive the horrendous events that led to his brutal murder and face the uncertainty that accompanies each parole hearing. Because of John Matthew Ray's complete disregard for human life, sense of superiority and thirst for revenge, justice demands this convicted murderer be denied parole. Ray must be held accountable for his personal choice to stalk, hunt down and murder an innocent young man and must accept the consequences of his actions. Chad Jeffrey Norris had just begun his young adult life. He had so much to offer this world; so many wonderful plans and dreams. Chad does not get another opportunity to accomplish his dreams; he does not get a second chance at life. He is gone forever. John Matthew Ray does not deserve a second chance or the privilege of freedom.

Please deny parole to convicted murderer, John Matthew Ray, for the maximum time allowed by California law.

Thank you for your consideration.

(Your name)

For your confidentiality, do NOT put your return address on the letter, only on the outer mailing envelope.

Please send a copy of your letter to the family:
Rita Edmonds-Norris, 2128 Alturas Court, Fairfield, CA 94534-1702.

Chad Jeffrey Norris

2. Jose Gonzalez - CDC# B-94419. NEW LISTING AS OF DECEMBER 27, 2011.

Parole Hearing Date is March 5, 2012.

(If you carefully click in front of the (Date) below and drag downward to (Your name), the pre-written letter should fit on just one 'copy and paste' page.)

(Date) Insert mailing date.

California Medical Facility
1600 California Drive
P.O. Box 2000
Vacaville, CA 95696-2000
ATTN: Classification and Parole Representative

RE: Jose Gonzalez - CDC# B-94419
Parole Hearing Date: March 5, 2012

Dear Chairman and Parole Board Members:

Please DO NOT grant a parole date to convicted murderer, Jose Gonzalez.

James and Essie Effron owned and operated a store in San Diego, CA, that had become an institution. They were known for their kindness, their integrity and concern for their customers as individuals. In 1977, Essie was diagnosed with cancer and had to have abdominal surgery. Not knowing what the future state of her health would be, she and James made a decision to close down the store so that they could spend all of their time together. They then began a "going out of business" sale. To help with the sale, an individual named Jose Gonzalez was hired as a salesman.

After the store closed for the day on November 21, 1977, and in a matter of minutes, all of the dreams which James and Essie shared of spending their retirement years together, were shattered by Jose Gonzalez. Along with some accomplices, Gonzalez forced James and Essie down to the basement of their store, bound and then, without hesitation or remorse, bludgeoned them to death. Jose Gonzalez was convicted of this double homicide and was sentenced to life in prison. His accomplices were never brought to trial.

March 5, 2012 marks the 9th parole hearing for this convicted murderer. For the 9th time, James and Essie Effron's family will have to relive the horrendous events that led to their brutal murders, and face the uncertainty that accompanies each and every parole hearing. Because of Jose Gonzalez's sense of entitlement, complete disregard for human life and lack of conscience, justice demands he be denied parole. This senseless act of violence - murder, was his personal choice and he must continue to accept the consequences of his actions. He must remain in prison, so that he can never again harm another innocent human being.

James and Essie do not get a second chance to live - they are gone forever. Jose Gonzalez chose to take their lives - their right to live. He does not deserve the privilege of freedom. Please deny parole to this convicted murderer for the maximum time allowed by California law.

Thank you for your consideration.

(Your Name)

For your confidentiality, do NOT put your return address on the letter, only on the outer mailing envelope.

Please send a copy of your letter to the victim's family:
Gary L. Effron - P.O. Box 4736, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274.

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Guidelines to Writing An Effective Parole Opposition Letter

A lifer in the California prison system is to be considered unsuitable for parole if he/she poses an unreasonable risk of danger to society. California State Article 5, outlines those legal criteria parole boards are to consider, which tend to show unsuitability for parole. Over the years, cases heard by the CA State Superior Courts have also ruled on criteria which parole boards are to consider, which tend to show unsuitablity for parole. Below is an outline of these criteria which we encourage victims' families to address in their letters opposing parole, if they have pertinent information. The more factors you can include, the better:

1. Commitment Offense. (The prisoner committed the offense in an especially heinous, atrocious or cruel manner. The factors to be considered include:

     * Multiple victims were attacked, injured or killed in the same or separate incidents.
     *The offense was carried out in a dispassionate and calculated manner, such as an execution-style murder.
     *The victim was abused, defiled or mutilated during or after the offense.
     *The offense was carried out in a manner which demonstrates an exceptionally callous disregard for human suffering. It was a torturous and prolonged murder.
     *The motive for the crime was inexplicable or very trivial in relation to the offense.

2. Previous Record of Violence. The prisoner on previous occasions inflicted or attempted to inflict serious injury on a victim, particularly if the prisoner demonstrated serious assaultive behavior at an early age.

3. Unstable Social History. The prisoner has a history of unstable or tumultuous relationships with others.

4. Sadistic Sexual Offenses. The prisoner has perviously sexually assaulted another in a manner calculated to inflict unusual pain or fear upon the victim.

5. Psychological Factors. The prisoner has a lengthy history of severe mental problems related to the offense. (A "low to moderate" risk finding, as opposed to "no risk" or simply a "low risk", COULD support the denial of parole.)

6. Institutional Behavior. The prisoner has engaged in serious misconduct in prison or jail. (Includes the use of drugs.)

7. No Signs of Remorse. The prisoner has not performed any acts which tend to indicate remorse, such as attempting to repair the damage, seeking help for or relieving suffering of the victim, and given no indication that he/she understands the nature or magnitude of the offense. He/she does not accept responsibility.

8. No Understanding and Plans for Future. The prisoner has made no realistic plans for release and has not developed marketable skills that can be put to use upon release.

9. The Effect the Crime Has on Other People. People fear retribution from him if released.

Sources for the above information may include: (1) victim's families first-hand knowledge, (2) transcripts from previous parole hearings and the trial, to which the families are entitled to request copies, and (3) quotes from coroners, law enforcement, and prosecuting attorneys, who worked on the crime.

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Suggestion to Victims' Families and People Who Want to Offer Special Help: To increase the number of parole opposition letters sent to the Parole Board you may choose to send a copy of the CAH sample letter to your family and friends, asking them in turn to pass it on to their family and friends, and so on..... As an example, for the Hernandez case, by creating this email chain, the victim's family was able to generate almost 1,000 parole opposition letters within one week. The more email chains created the better. The victims' families will be grateful, knowing they are not alone.

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48 Of Our Most Recent Parole Opposition Results

Since May 1994 Citizens Against Homicide has participated in the denial of parole for over 250 convicted murderers.

48. Brian Laudenback, murdered 22-month-old boy, breaking two ribs, lacerating his liver and pancreas, and injuring his head and face. February 2, 2012 parole was denied for five more years, until 2017. The victim's family wrote to CAH, "Thanks for the support and all of the parole opposition letters that were generated as a result of your efforts."

47. Johnnie L. Spruill, stalked, harassed, attacked and nearly decapitated a woman. December 2011 parole was denied for three more years, until December 2014. The victim's family wrote, "Please pass this wonderful news to everyone and express how grateful we are for CAH and everyone that helped us during this trying time."

46. Gerald James Youngberg (a 30-year-old parolee from Illinois), shot without motive in March 1973 San Bernardino Sheriff's Lt. Alfred E. Stewart, CA Highway Patrol Officer Larry Wetterling and an innocent service station attendant. His February 8, 2012 parole hearing was cancelled due to his re-evaluation that determined he didn't meet the criteria for this type of release at this time. The victim's family wrote to CAH, "We can't thank you enough for all your support. We have received numerous letters from people that wrote the parole board on our behalf. We truly appreciate each and every one."

45. David E. Archer, Shot 44-year-old man in the chest with a sawed-off shotgun and then purposely drove over him with his vehicle. Archer waived his right to a hearing for the second time. Hearing was scheduled for February 27, 2012. According to the victim's family, "The letters sent to the prison had a huge impact, again, on the outcome of this process."

44. Robert Shippman, Parole Was Denied for 3 More Years.

43. William Ray Hall, Jr., Stalked, assaulted, strangled, threw her body over a cliff, shot her in the face with a shotgun, stole her vehicle and bragged about her murder. On September, 26, 2011 his Parole Was Denied for 5 More Years.

42. David Priest, Stalked, confronted and shot newlywed man 6 times in the back. On November 9, 2011 Priest and his attorney were no shows at the parole hearing. Next hearing scheduled for February 22, 1012.

41. Mark Allen Reese, Strangled, raped and dumped body of 33-year-old woman. On September 21, 2011, Parole Was Denied for 10 more years.

40. Christopher Fowler, Struck, shook and threw 22-month old baby boy to his death. On November 8, 2011, Parole Was Denied for 3 more years.

39. Kenneth Valjean Jones. Shot Correctional Officer to death during an investigation. On October 19, 2011, Parole Was Denied.

38. Brian Dennis Shannon. Brutally shot to death a 23-year-old young woman. On September 27, 2011, Parole Was Denied. Next hearing in 5 years in 2016.

37. Dexter Terrell Coleman. Brutally shot and killed a serviceman during a car hijacking. Choose to postpone his parole hearing for two years, until October 2013, due to the large number of parole opposition letters.

36. Franklin Delano Simon, Jr., Brutally shot and set on fire a college student. On August 17, 2011, Parole was Denied. Next hearing in 4 years in 2015.

35. Joseph Lee Daily, Brutally beat his 7-week-old son who died of head trauma. On August 9, 2011, Postponed parole hearing for another year.

34. Mark Alan Koper, Shot his six-month pregnant wife in the back of the head in front of their 17-month old daughter. On March 17, 2011, Parole was Denied. Received 2 more years.

33. Norman Simmons, Stabbing murder of older man in declining health. On May 23, 2011, Simmon's Parole was Denied. Received 2 more years.

32. Gregory Coates, Brutally attacked and murdered a young wife and mother of three children. On May 11, 2011 Coates' Parole was Denied. Received 10 more years.

31. Stanley Darl Hunter, Execution-style murder of a man who took him into his home. On May 2, 2011 Hunter waived his right to a hearing for another year.

30. Craig Anderson, Stalked, abducted and murdered a woman. On April 25, 2011 Parole denied. Received 5 more years.

29. Francisco Eric Rubio, Bludgeoned, tortured and murdered 18-year-old girl. On May 2, 2011 waived right to a hearing for three years, next hearing May 2014.

28. William Robert Geiger, Premeditated First Degree Murder for executing a woman in front of her mother and grandmother after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, Parole denied, on April 18, 2011, received 3 more years, next hearing August 2013.

27. Mark Jay Baker, Clubbed a man to death. Parole denied on March 9, 2011, received 7 more years.

26. Darryl Poole, Shot a husband in front of his wife because he "wasn't driving fast enough", firing through the rear window of the victim's car with an assault rifle. Parole Denied on February 18, 2011, received 5 more years. Over 600 letters were sent to ask for denial of parole.

25. Michael L. Grant, Savagely beat, slashed and burned a 74-year-old woman, Parole Denied on January 20, 2011, received 7 more years.

24. David E. Archer, First Degree Murder shooting of a 44-year-old man in the chest and then driving over him. The prison received so many letters to keep Archer in prison, Archer decided to waive his right to a hearing on March 22, 2011 for one year.

23. Philip Clark Watts, Stabbed 82-year-old man 63 times, Parole Denied on January 10, 2011, received 7 more years.

22. Clifford Kenneth Myelle, Over three hours bludgeoned man 33 times with a claw hammer, Parole Denied on January 11, 2011, received 7 more years.

21. Warren Robert Bozzo, Triple murderer, Parole Denied on November 23, 2010, received 15 more years. The Parole & Classification Representative said that they stopped counting the letters after they reached 500 and that they ended up with a stack of letters 2.5 inches thick against Bozzo.

20. Denise Fitzpatrick Poer, Pre-meditated murder, Parole Denied on November 23, 2010, received 5 more years.

19. Robert John Mahoney, Savegely beat and strangled 31-year-old woman, Parole Denied on Oct. 13, 2010, received 5 more years.

18. Roger E. Chavez, Stabbed woman with 4 children to death, Parole Denied on September 15, 2010, received 7 more years.

17. Hiroyasu Rody Itai, Murder and attempted murder of two women, Parole Denied on October 7, 2010, received 7 more years.

16. Richard Lamar Leaman, Murdered a mother with 4 young children, Parole Denied on October 18, 2010, received 5 more years.

15. Steven Burns, Murdered young female college student, Parole Denied on Sept. 28, 2010, received 7 more years.

14. Barbara P. Hernandez, First Degree Premeditated Murder and Robbery, her Life Without Parole Commutation Request Denied by Governor on Sept. 3, 2010.

13. Robert T. Mattos, Murder and attempted murder. Parole Denied on July 13, 2010, received 7 more years until 2017.

12. Gean Baptiste Gamio, Stabbed wife to death on Christmas. Parole Denied on June 22, 2010 for another 10 years until 2020.

11. Jeffery Paul Perrotte, Murder by fire. Parole Denied on June 8, 2010 for another 3 years until 2013.

10. William Walter Nichols, Pre-meditated double homicide. Parole Denied on May 11, 2010 for another 5 years until 2015.

9. Simon Macias, Stabbing murderer of a 19-year old woman. Parole Denied on February 10, 2010 for another 3 years until 2013.

8. Stephen Metz, Murdered his wife. His January 2010 Clemency Hearing only took 28 days off his sentence. This is much less than the one-year at a time taken off in prior years, when no letters of opposition where presented from CAH members. In the military system, he comes up for parole every other year in Oct. and clemency every year in Jan. His projected release date is July 3, 2053.

7. Silas Elijah Robinson, Murderer of two people. Parole Denied on Dec. 2009 for another 7 years until 2016, if he can comply with the rules and rehabilitate himself. Otherwise, under Marsy's Law he cannot request another parole hearing for 15 years.

6. Chuck Edward Johnson, Murderer of three year old. Parole Denied on Dec. 2009 for another 7 years until 2016.

5. Bruce Haims, Bludgeon Murderer of a 21-year old woman. Parole Denied by New York State as a "dangerous sexual predator" on Dec. 10, 2009.

4. Jack Vian Jr., Capital Murder of Two People. Parole Denied, Next Review in Three Years in 2012.

3. De Ellen Bellah, Conspiracy to Commit Capital Murder. Parole Denied, Next Review 10/21/2014.

2. Mark Allen Reese, Murderer. Parole Denied on 9/16/09 by a Unanimous Vote.

1. Kenneth V. Jones, Murdered an officer in the South Carolina Law Enforcement Department on July 4, 1979, Parole Denied on June 17, 2009.

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Confidentiality Recommendation:

In some states there is no guarantee of confidentiality for those people writing parole protest letters. Please only put your name on the bottom of the letter, and NOT your return address. Only put your return addess on the outer mailing envelope.

If you are a family requesting a copy of letters sent to the parole board, please feel free to use the Citizens Against Homicide return address, in lieu of your personal mailing address. The address is: c/o CAH, PMB #321 - Mail Box Etc. - 336 Bon Air Center - Greenbrae, CA 94904.

Our friends at TEJ have infomed us that in the State of Texas, requests for confidentiality are upheld provided a notation is made requesting confidentiality.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact cahvadvocate@yahoo.com.

Note: Some States accept Parole Opposition Letters via email only. Other States require only personally signed letters by mail. Please provide Citizens Against Homicide with your State's Parole Administration policy on this issue when you submit your Parole Opposition Letter Request.

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"A Victim's Guide to the California Parole Hearing Process" by The Crime Victims Assistance Network Foundation.

Click Link: http://www.ican-foundation.org/resources/publications

Table of Contents

What is a parole hearing?
Where is the parole hearing held?
When is the parole hearing held?
Who goes to the parole hearing?
How do I find out about the parole hearing?
What happens if I want to attend the parole hearing?
What if I don't want to attend the hearing?
How do I prepare for the parole hearing?
The decision if the inmate is denied or granted parole.
A guide to preparing your impact statement.
Resources.

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How Do I Request Compensation for Travel Costs to a Parole Hearing?

As of May 2010, the California Office of Victim and Survivor Rights & Services (OVSRS) has funds available through a federal grant, which allows for reimbursement - up to $100 - to a limited number of victims for costs associated with travel to parole hearings. For information on how to apply for travel reimbursement, please contact OVSRS at (877) 256-6877.

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