A new criminal justice bill in New York is drawing sharp criticism for its potential to release some of the most notorious killers in American history. The Elder Parole bill, which critics describe as a 'junk justice' idea that could only originate from Canada, would allow violent offenders to apply for early parole once they turn 55 and have served at least 15 years of their sentence.
Who Could Be Released?
The bill could apply to infamous murderers such as David Berkowitz, known as the 'Son of Sam,' who killed six people and wounded seven others in the 1970s. Mark David Chapman, who assassinated John Lennon in 1980, and Colin Ferguson, who murdered six people on a Long Island Rail Road train in 1993, would also be eligible. Additionally, cop killers like David McClary, who murdered NYPD officer Eddie Byrne in 1988, could seek early release.
Funding and Support
According to the New York Post, the campaign for the Elder Parole bill is funded by billionaire George Soros' Open Society Foundations and other far-left groups. The bill also includes the Fair and Timely Parole bill, which would require the state parole board to release inmates regardless of the severity of their crimes, unless they are deemed a continuing danger.
Critics argue that the bill prioritizes 'progress' over public safety. Raphael Mangual, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, warned that the assumption that older inmates are less likely to reoffend is flawed. 'A majority of state prisoners who are released will reoffend,' he said.
Canadian Parallels
The article draws parallels to Canada's criminal justice system, where similar leniency has been criticized. In Canada, few prisoners have served as long as Berkowitz or Chapman, but the idea of releasing such heinous killers is seen as a dangerous experiment.
Brad Hunter, the author, warns that if the bill passes, it could set a precedent for other jurisdictions, including Canada, to adopt similar measures. 'Since the rest of us don't really matter to the courts, judiciary, the criminal-industrial complex or most politicians, someone in the bowels of the Canadian system is bound to say: 'Great idea!'' Hunter writes.
Public Reaction
Law enforcement sources have expressed outrage, noting that some of the most dangerous inmates in New York prisons could be released within two years if the bills become law. The public is urged to pay attention to the potential consequences of this legislation.
