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SAMPLE LETTER
(DATE)
Board of Parole Hearings
Attn: Pre-Hearing Correspondence
P. O. Box 4036
Sacramento, CA 95812-4036
RE: JOHN MATTHEW RAY – CDC# J-16432
PAROLE HEARING DATE: FEBRUARY 28, 2017
Dear Chairman and Parole Board Members:
Please DO NOT grant a parole date to convicted murderer, John Matthew Ray. On June 16, 1993, Ray brutally and senselessly murdered 20-year-old Chad Jeffrey Norris. Chad and two (2) friends had innocently entered a local Albertson’s in Fairfield, CA. According to witnesses, John Ray (and an accomplice) were confrontational and displayed volatile behavior toward several customers (including cashiers). Ray then focused his inciting and vicious behavior toward three (3) innocent strangers, Chad and his two friends. They made every attempt to avoid Ray; even exiting the store from a door at the opposite end of the building. As the young men walked through the parking lot, they were attacked from behind by the persistent assailants. Chad’s friend was able to fend off Ray; after which he and his accomplice then ran off into the night. Once safely reaching their apartment, Chad and his friends realized they must have dropped a rented video. Believing they were free of any further danger, the young men immediately left to retrieve the video. They could never have imagined.. that this convicted murderer and accomplice were driving the apartment complex parking lot, hunting for them. As Chad and his friends crossed the street, an unlit vehicle sped from the darkness – John Ray aimed and fired a semi-automatic handgun; loaded with “Black Talon” bullets. Chad Jeffrey Norris was struck three times and lay dead in the street. Ray planned and carried out this senseless and premeditated act of murder.
On February 28, 2017, Chad Norris’ family and friends will, once again, have to relive the horrendous events that led to his brutal murder and face the uncertainty that accompanies each parole hearing. Because of John Matthew Ray’s complete disregard for human life, sense of superiority and thirst for revenge, justice demands this convicted murderer be denied parole. Ray must be held accountable for his personal choice to stalk, hunt down and execute an innocent young man and must accept the consequences of his actions. Chad Jeffrey Norris had just begun his young adult life. He had so much to offer this world; so many wonderful plans and dreams. Chad does not get another opportunity to accomplish his dreams; he does not get a second chance at life. He is gone forever. John Matthew Ray does not deserve a second chance or the privilege of freedom.
Please deny parole to convicted murderer, John Matthew Ray, for the maximum time allowed by California law.
Thank you for your consideration.
(YOUR NAME)
–end of letter–
IMPORTANT
For your confidentiality, do NOT put your return address on the letter, only on the outer envelope.
Please send a copy of your letter to the family:
Rita Edmonds-Norris, 2128 Alturas Court, Fairfield, CA 94534-1702