Is the Controversial Early Parole Granted to California Murderer a Grave Injustice?

Derek Pettis, a convicted murderer from California who brutally shot a deputy and killed a volunteer chaplain in 1994, has been granted parole years earlier than anticipated.

This unexpected development has sparked outrage and concern among the victims’ families and supporters of law enforcement.

Back in 1994, Deputy Terrence Wenger, aged 31, and volunteer chaplain Bruce Bryan, 39, were attempting to help Pettis sober up after a bar fight.

Instead of expressing gratitude, Pettis violently attacked Wenger as soon as he was freed from his handcuffs. He hit the deputy over the head, seized his gun, and shot him in the head, costing Wenger an eye.

Pettis then turned his murderous intent towards Bryan, shooting him in the back and killing him.

Another attempted cop killer is about to go free.
Derek Pettis murdered @CarsonLASD Chaplan Bruce Bryan and attempted to murder Deputy Wenger who thankfully survived. Just days ago, @GavinNewsom called the murder of #LASD Palmdale Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer “horrific,… pic.twitter.com/JqX7eY5MGj

— Cece Woods (@ceceswoods) September 19, 2023

Pettis, now 54, was subsequently captured, tried, and sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 40 years.

However, due to recent changes in state laws regarding ‘youth offender’ status, Pettis has been granted parole more than a decade earlier than expected. This decision has left the victims’ families reeling and questioning the justice system.

The early parole decision has been met with widespread criticism, particularly because prosecutors were not allowed to be present at the parole hearings or argue against Pettis’ release.

This policy, put in place by District Attorney George Gascon, placed an undue burden on the victims’ families, who are left to argue against the release without access to crucial information, such as the defendant’s case file and psychological evaluation.

Useless California justice system

Derek Pettis stole gun from LA Deputy Terrence Wenger in 1994, shot him in eye, gunned down chaplain Bruce Bryan.

California murderer who shot deputy, killed chaplain at age 24 granted ‘youth offender’ parolehttps://t.co/9euf8KN78L

— Tim Renick (@TimotheusRex) September 21, 2023

Bruce Bryan, the slain chaplain, was known for his dedication to helping troubled youths. He ran a mission for troubled young men from his home and provided them with work opportunities in a gardening business.

His brutal murder by Pettis, who was part of the same gang as one of the young men Bryan was helping, is a tragic irony that underscores the senseless violence of the crime.

The parole board’s decision now goes to Governor Gavin Newsom for review. Supporters of law enforcement and the Bryan family are hoping he will overrule it. However, this process can take up to 150 days, prolonging the agony for the victims’ families.

This case ultimately raises serious questions about the justice system’s handling of violent criminals and the implications of ‘youth offender’ status laws.

This article appeared in Watch Dog News and has been published here with permission.