Rapist who became quadriplegic in prison denied medical parole

[alp227]

Last year, I posted in the justice forum about Steven Martinez, who's served a 157-year prison sentence since 1998 for rape. In 2001, he became severely physically disabled after being stabbed. While California has a new medical parole law for disabled inmates, the state parole board ruled against granting him parole. His condition:

Court documents show that he has no motor power in his arms and legs, can barely move his head, does not have control over his bowel or bladder and has "no chance of regaining any motor skills."

His medical bills now average $625,000 a year; three years ago, he was rejected for compassionate release, which allows a court to "recall" an inmates' sentence if he is terminally ill and expected to die within six months, or medically incapacitated. Medical parole is different, because people released would have conditions imposed and could be sent back to prison if they violate those terms, or if their medical condition improves.

In 2010, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed a bill authored by State Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) that would grant medical parole to physically incapacitated inmates who are deemed no longer a threat to public safety.

So why did the parole board say no?

Board commissioner John Peck and deputy commissioner Dan Moeller disagreed.

"This panel finds that he is a violent person who can use other people to carry out threats and would be a public safety threat to those attending to him outside prison walls," Peck said.

The commissioner said it was a "tough decision," but noted that female staff members were the target of Martinez's ire in eight of the nine formal disciplinary cases that have been brought against him since 2003.

That is significant, Peck said, "because his commitment offense was a very violent attack and rape of a female."

Do you think it's still worth it keeping this convicted rapist behind bars even though he can't even move by himself or use any weapons? In the wake of the Supreme Court's recently ordering California to shrink its prison population.

[hlthe2b]

1. Given cuts to medicaid across the country, it may be the only way

to keep him alive--assuming he is not independently wealthy.... Just sayin... I'm not defending the situation, at all.

[Ian David]

2. He apparently has minions on the outside that can do his evil bidding for him. n/t

[itsrobert]

3. They should fry the bastard

and grind him up. d

[warrior1]

4. ask his victims what they think

It is very expensive to care for him as well as other ill inmates. I would have to say, keep him behind bars.

[iwishiwas]

5. Yes, keep him behind bars. NO way should he ever enjoy being

outside and FREE to psychologically assault anyone!!. It is bad enough he is able yet to do that inside prison.

[Cali_Democrat]

6. If he got out of prison, how on earth could he afford $625,000/year in medical bills?

My guess is that he's not very wealthy.

edit: apparently his family is willing to pay the cost according to the other link.

[Lucian]

7. I would deny him his parole also.

He can use other people to carry out his attacks and we don't need someone like that back out in society.

[Ezlivin]

8. Quadriplegia is enough punishment - let him go

He is absolutely harmless as a quad.

He did wrong, was being punished for it and now is in no condition to harm anyone, ever. He'll serve out his sentence in a barely-functioning body. That's plenty of punishment.

Disclaimer: I'm a T-4 complete paraplegic.

[Sonoman]

9. Throw him into the nearest dumpster.

The State needs the money.

Sonoman

[Obamanaut]

10. If his family is willing to take on the burden of his care, as well as the

cost of that care - let him out.

If the family does not want either of those responsibilities, keep him.

Not an either/or - they take them both or he stays where he is.

[ecstatic]

11. Having a very hard time feeling pity for him...

:nopity: It's called KARMA!

[lapislzi]

12. I imagine the parole board knows its job better than we do

If they think he still presents a threat to society, I would be inclined to trust their judgment. Verbal abuse, threats, coercion, all these can hurt people. You don't need a gun or a knife to inflict damage.

He's lived a relatively long life as a quad. He probably doesn't have long to go. Not that he will be missed by many.