Friday, October 7, 2011

Powell Up For "Compassionate Release"

This was sent in by Cliff Armas.  The AP story below, is also available in Thursday morning's LAPPL News Watch.

Gregory Powell, who kidnapped, shot, and executed Officer Ian Campbell in a deserted Onion Field south of Bakersfield is up for consideration of a sentence reduction or modification. Powell was convicted of Ian's murder and originally given the death sentence. The death penalty was overturned by the California Supreme Court and Powell has been in prison since Ian's murder in 1963.

Powell has terminal cancer and is currently incarnated at the Prison Hospital in Vacaville since January, 2011. Prison doctors say Powell has only six months to live. Because of this, Powell is entitled for a sentence reduction or modification on a "compassionate release." The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 18th in Sacramento. Due to the nature of this particular hearing the Parole Board does not make the decision if Powell should be released. The Board makes a recommendation if the sentence should be reduced, modified, or if he should remain in prison. The recommendation is then forwarded to the Superior Court that originally tried Powell. The presiding judge in that Superior Court then makes the final decision.

Statements or letters can be sent to the Parole Board expressing why Powell should not be released. The email address to send in statements from the public or any other law enforcement personnel is:  OVSSInet@cdcr.ca.gov    The emails that are sent to this email address will be routed to the Bureau of Parole Hearings for review.

'Onion Field' killer may get early release

Associated Press - The California parole board is considering a compassionate release request for the convicted killer of a police officer in the case chronicled in the book and movie "The Onion Field." State Department of Corrections spokeswoman Terry Thornton said Wednesday the board will consider the case of Gregory Powell at its Oct. 18 meeting. Under state law, inmates are eligible for compassionate release if they have six months or less to live. The board will make a recommendation to a judge, who will make the final ruling.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_19050511