Two pending New York bills could open prison doors for some of the state’s most notorious murderers, including David Berkowitz, the ‘Son of Sam’ serial killer who terrorized New York City in the 1970s, and Mark David Chapman, who assassinated John Lennon.
The Proposed Legislation
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. This includes individuals convicted of violent felonies and murder. The Fair and Timely Parole bill goes further by requiring the parole board to presume release for most inmates who have completed their minimum sentence. The board would need to prove an inmate still poses a clear public safety risk to deny release.
Under the Fair and Timely Parole measure, the weight given to the nature of the original crime decreases significantly, especially for older convictions. The legislation emphasizes rehabilitation efforts, age, and institutional behavior over the severity of the violent acts that resulted in incarceration. The bill also shortens intervals between parole hearings, creating more frequent opportunities for release.
Who Could Walk Free
David Berkowitz murdered six people and wounded seven others during his 1976-1977 killing spree. He approached victims in parked cars and fired through windows, leaving taunting letters signed ‘Son of Sam’ for police and journalists. Arrested in August 1977, he confessed to all crimes. Mark David Chapman, who executed Beatles legend John Lennon in 1980, would also qualify for presumptive release under these bills.
Political Backlash
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a presumptive Republican gubernatorial candidate, condemned the legislation and criticized Governor Kathy Hochul. He accused the governor of fast-tracking violent criminal releases, including those who killed police officers. Blakeman promised the pro-criminal era would end when he takes office. A law enforcement source warned that the most heinous criminals currently imprisoned would undoubtedly gain release within two years if Governor Hochul signs these bills into law. The measures have sparked fierce debate about public safety versus criminal justice reform in New York.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH AMERICAS JUSTICE SYSTEM???WE NEED THE DEATH PENALTY ASAP. THEN THIS WOULD NEVER HAPPEN. BUT OUR CONGRESS IS ON THE SIDE OF MURDERERS AND PEDOPHILES. NO WAY SHOULD MURDERERS BE RELEAZED BACK IN TO OUR SOCIETY.