January 5th, 2005 “Melvin Coco Liufau”, my younger brother was murdered and executed in his California, home by three low life gang-banger cowards aimed to rob. Finaly after being caught and sentenced for use of a firearm to conspiracy to commit first degree murder. Two of three received 3-life terms (25-years each) plus 40 years with no possibility of parole. The sentencing is a reasonable assumption that these two cowards most likely will die in prison as consequence for their evil actions. Small Justice knowing my brother, father, son, uncle, friend and loved one will never be coming back and in the lives of his family, children and grandchildren.
February 2021, 16-year later shocked to learn my family was given the news that both these murderers not only have the possibility to be paroled, but the parole board will be holding a hearing for the female murderer who pulled the trigger on my brother in two months from that timeline of hearing the news.
May 19th, 2021, my siblings are shocked, confused and angry to be listening to the parole board commissioners asking the murdering inmate to explain how she has been reformed from time she has served? I do believe one can truly be remorseful for their criminal action but hearing this person I did not get that from her.
A STEP-BACK: First, I am confused trying to understand the law and the sentence already handed down. Just two months earlier I called the prosecuting DA and asked how this murderer even has the opportunity to be commutated for what she did? It was then that I learned our so-called LAWS and JUSTICE were Changed. These laws were changed and enacted by the Obama’s administration who worked feverishly in federal and state prison institutes for an early release program on nonviolent offenders. The Obama admin sighted bias sentencing against colored minorities. Ok so I agreed that people of color seemingly were receiving heavier sentences for drugs offenses, but those who committed murder or violent crimes that is different thing. Such focus I agree helps bring awareness and hopefully fairness to those less violent offenders.
The capper 2018 in California, it was just a matter of time. Cali where my brother was murdered and where these inmates are serving their time, California Governor Jerry Brown signed off on restructuring sentences for (violent offenders) specifically due to the overcrowded prisons and the billions of tax dollars it takes to fund the prison systems. These political changes are not bipartisan. Gov Brown and his party pushed for these changes and passed a bill that allowed criminals to appeal their heavy sentences for a lesser sentence all in the name of overcrowded prisons with heavy budgets.
It was Gov Browns change of law that allowed these two murders to appeal their sentence and receive a lesser sentence. From a 100+ years to life sentenced, it was now dwindled down to 20-years to life. I can only imagine countless families like mine slapped in the face when a 100-year life sentenced changed in a blink of an eye. Talk about no Justice. To boot my family, was NOT notified of any changes of the law when the inmates were given lesser time nor were we allowed to appeal these decisions.
Shockingly 2020 California Governor Gavin Newsom began letting prisons out of prison due to coronavirus and did so under the so-called safety factor for inmates. I am shocked and I can clearly read the direction where this is going. If you commit a violent crime, you will only be in prison for a little while. So, much for laws and justice.
May 19th, 2021, we sit in an already made virtual meeting with an already placed AGENDA, yes, I can say I was angry, confused and hurt. This was aggreges asked to be part of a table already set with a decision. Where is the Justice?
A decision has already been made by a previous Judge. Now, it’s been changed. Regrettably, we have to listen to the person responsible for ending my brother’s life who was in his 30’s. Ironically now this female currently is 36 years old. And is allowed to plead her hopes of a new vocation if given commutation. IRONIC, after taking a life she, wants to enjoy the rest of hers freely?
Although we are gratefully that on this female first attempt, she was denied by the commissioners, truthfully in 18 months by the new law she will be able to reappeal for commutation. Moreover, I was shocked and now concerned to hear one of the commissioners shared that after reading her history, receiving the parole boards phycologist recommendation and viewing her recent behavior and schooling achievements that she was ready to approve her commutation. After listening to the females answer I felt, the answers she gave were an attempt to say whatever she needed to say to get out. I still believe the only reason she is sorry was that she was caught.
As for now we are grateful she and the other inmate were not released on this parole hearing attempt. However, by law the inmates can appeal and retry again within 18-months. From a life taken in cold blood a 20-year sentence is NOT JUSTICE. However, whatever comes of it I will leave to God’s laws and his Justice.
WHY DO WE HAVE LAWS IF THE PENALTY OF JUSTICE DOES NOT ALLOW JUSTICE TO RUN ITS COURSE. INSTEAD NAPOTISM OF THE CORRUPT CAREER POLITICIANS WHO ABUSE THEIR AUTHORITY BY EXERCISING UNRIGHTOUS DAMINION TOWARDS CORRUPT.
Inclosing Dr. Suess “Unless we as People are awfully hurt to make changes, the likelihood of it changing is Not!”
