Two proposed New York bills could open prison doors for some of the state’s most notorious murderers, including David Berkowitz, the serial killer known as Son of Sam, and Mark David Chapman, who assassinated John Lennon in 1980.
What the Bills Would Change
The Elder Parole bill would grant parole eligibility to inmates aged 55 and older who have served at least 15 years, regardless of their original sentence. The Fair and Timely Parole bill would require parole boards to presume release for most inmates who have completed their minimum sentence unless officials can prove they remain a clear public safety threat. The legislation reduces the weight given to the severity of the original crime, particularly for older convictions, and shortens intervals between parole hearings.
Under current law, the nature of violent crimes carries significant weight in parole decisions. These bills would shift focus to rehabilitation efforts and behavior during incarceration. Law enforcement sources warn that convicted murderers sentenced to life imprisonment could walk free within two years if both measures become law. Berkowitz terrorized New York City in the mid-1970s, killing six people and wounding seven others before his 1977 arrest and confession.
Political Opposition Mounts
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a presumptive Republican gubernatorial candidate, condemned the legislation and accused Governor Kathy Hochul of accelerating the release of violent criminals. Blakeman stated that Hochul has fast-tracked releases for offenders who killed police officers and promised that his administration would reverse these policies. Law enforcement officials across New York have voiced concerns about public safety implications if heinous murderers receive early release.
Constitutional Concerns and Victims’ Rights
Critics argue the legislation undermines the principle that punishment should fit the crime. Families of victims have expressed outrage that killers might gain freedom while their loved ones remain dead. The bills also raise questions about whether parole boards possess adequate resources and expertise to accurately assess whether decades-old murderers still pose threats to society. Supporters claim the measures address mass incarceration and recognize that elderly inmates pose lower recidivism risks, but opponents counter that life sentences exist precisely because some crimes warrant permanent removal from society.
woke bills must not pass
It is imperative that the woke bills don’t pass. Hochul, now in conjunction with her Communist friend in NYC are intent on dragging NYS down even further than we already are.
Fine, let them all out but, they have to follow the rules – They will be given a list of everyone that voted yes to release them. Their names, address, all family members names and addresses. They will then be required to visit those people and make sure those people know the reason they were in jail and they are to apply their trade accordingly. After taking care of that rule they will then be taken to a place they cannot escape, but they will not be behind bars, and they will be treated well.
To. Mr