New York State’s parole system is under scrutiny for its handling of crime victims’ input in parole decisions. Senator Jim Tedisco has highlighted the challenges faced by families of crime victims, particularly referencing the case of Shenendehowa students Deanna Rivers and Christopher Stewart, who were killed in 2012 by Dennis Drue, a drunk and drugged driver.
The current process allows victims to speak to only one Parole Board member, without assurance that this member will influence the decision on whether to release an offender. This has been a source of frustration for many families seeking justice.
Senator Tedisco is advocating for “Christopher’s and Deanna’s Law” (S.24), which mandates video recording of victim impact statements. These recordings would be required viewing for all Parole Board members voting on parole if they do not meet with victims in person. The legislation is bipartisan, with Democratic Assemblyman John McDonald sponsoring it in the Assembly.
Dennis Drue was released early from prison in 2023 due to the “less is more” law but recently faced legal issues again. At his latest hearing, a loophole initially prevented the Stewart and Rivers families from speaking, although Michael Stewart eventually read a statement after intervention from Senator Tedisco.
Additionally, Senator Tedisco supports extending the waiting period between mandated parole hearings from 24 to 60 months for those convicted of violent crimes (S.142). He criticizes Governor Hochul’s plan to reduce prison sentences by 110 days as detrimental to crime victims.
Tedisco emphasizes that New York must prioritize public safety and support a “Victims First” agenda to address these concerns effectively. He calls for passing “Christopher’s and Deanna’s Law” to ensure victim impact statements are recorded and viewed by decision-makers.
The senator argues that fixing the parole system is crucial for preventing injustices and making sure crime victims are truly heard.
