In the wake of LA District Attorney George Gascon’s decision to scrap parole notifications, concerns over rising violent crime in liberal cities have been reignited. The case of Walter Joseph Lewis, a twice-convicted murderer set to be released on parole, has drawn attention to the potential consequences of this policy change.
Lewis, now 76 years old, first committed murder in 1965 at the age of 18. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison for the crime. However, in 1979, he killed Robert Chartier by beating him to death with a hammer. Chartier’s family has been fighting for years to prevent Lewis’ release, citing the brutal nature of the crime and their belief that he poses a continued threat to society.
The California Elderly Parole Law, enacted in 2018, allows for the release of any convicted criminal over 50 years old who has served at least 20 years in prison. Under this law, Lewis became eligible for parole. However, the decision to grant him parole has sparked outrage and disbelief among Chartier’s family and the community.
Karla, a relative of the victim, expressed shock at the prospect of Lewis’ release, stating, “We’re just in shock that it’s even happening. I can’t believe that somebody would approve of this man being released. They were violent murders, they weren’t self-defense.”
According to records from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, hundreds of inmates have been granted parole under the elderly parole law. In 2020, 317 inmates were granted parole, followed by 360 in 2021 and 493 in 2022.
The controversy surrounding Lewis’ case highlights the ongoing debate over criminal justice reform and the balance between rehabilitation and public safety. Critics argue that policies like scrapping parole notifications and granting parole to violent offenders may put communities at risk, while proponents believe in the importance of second chances and the potential for rehabilitation.
The California Board of Parole Hearings and the District Attorney’s office have yet to respond to requests for comment on Lewis’ case. The decision to release him on parole raises questions about the effectiveness and potential flaws of the state’s parole system.
As discussions on criminal justice reform continue, it is clear that the parole release of Walter Joseph Lewis has ignited a heated debate over public safety and the rights of victims and their families. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future of parole policies in California and beyond.
