Block Bill That Would Allow Parole For Clovis Carver Library Mass Shooter and Other Violent Criminals 

Summary

The National Organization of Victims of Juvenile Murderers is launching this petition to oppose legislation that would require frequent and early parole hearings for violent juvenile criminals--including Clovis Carver Library mass shooter Nathaniel Jouett. Please sign this petition to support our fight against anti-victim, pro-offender legislation. 

Main Statement

We are the National Organization of Victims of Juvenile Murderers. We represent about 400 victims around the country, including many in New Mexico. We are starting this petition to oppose legislation that would require frequent parole hearings for juvenile criminals. 

This is not our first time fighting for victims in New Mexico. In 2021, we helped block Senate Bill 247 (also called the Victim Retraumatization Bill), which would have mandated parole hearings for all juvenile criminals after only 15 years of incarceration. There is again an effort to promote offender-centered legislation that would require parole eligibility after only 15 years. See here, here, and here. The New Mexico Legislature should not pass any other Victim Retraumatization Bill that is introduced. 

• Requiring parole eligibility after only 15 years would be unjust and demeaning. 15 years is nowhere near proportionate to crimes like the Clovis Carver Library massacre. Such a light sentence would allow mass shooter Nathaniel Jouett to obtain freedom in his early 30s and enjoy decades outside prison. Furthermore, such lenient sentences for killers like Jouett would demean their crimes. 
• Many victims and victims' families feel compelled to prevent their victimizers from being released early (this is explained more below). To fight an unjust early release, they participate in the parole process. Every parole hearing causes unspeakable pain. Victims relive the crimes. They experience nightmares and flashbacks. They have panic attacks. And more. The first version of SB247 would have mandated parole eligibility for juvenile criminals every 2 years. A new Victim Retraumatization Bill may do the same.  Mandating parole hearings every 2 years is beyond cruel. Murderers like Nathaniel Jouett would be entitled to dozens of parole hearings. A 17-year-old murderer would first be up for parole at age 32. Then if they are denied, they would be up for parole again at 34. And if they are denied again, they would have another parole hearing at 36. Then more parole hearings at 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60. If they live to be 60 and they are never released, they would be entitled to 15 parole hearings. Victims would be trapped in a cycle of trauma--even if they prevent parole this time, they will have to go through the process all over again in 2 years. And then again 2 years after that and again 2 years after that. 

Why Do So Many Victims Oppose Parole?

Many murder victims' families feel that it is unfair for the killer to be released and enjoy the freedoms they robbed from their dead family member. Many victims also fear retaliation and feel obligated to protect themselves, their families, and other potential future victims from the criminal. 

Who Would Benefit From Another Victim Retraumatization Bill?

Not victims. Not society. The only beneficiaries of Victim Retraumatization Bills are criminals. Below are some New Mexico criminals who would be granted parole hearings by such a bill.

Nathaniel Jouett went on a shooting rampage at the Clovis Carver Library. He murdered librarians Wanda Walters and Kristina Carter. And he injured 4 other people, including a 10-year-old boy. Witnesses reported that Jouett laughed and smiled as he shot up the library. 

John Gamble lured Joseph Garcia to a secluded area, beat him with a rifle, and burned his body. He then returned to a party he had attended earlier that day. 

Nehemiah Griego murdered his parents and 3 of his younger siblings. He first shot his mother as she slept. He then shot his 9-year-old brother in the head. Next, he shot his 2 and 5-year-old sisters in the head. He proceeded to wait for his father to return home and shoot him to death. Griego intended to drive to an area and shoot more people. 

Darcy Smith and her co-defendants decided to "scare the hell out of someone." They kidnapped 17-year-old Adam Price and shot him 10 times. 

What You Can Do

If you want to join us in our opposition to another Victim Retraumatization Bill, please sign our petition. 

Also, consider contacting Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. 

If you are in New Mexico, contact your local legislators. 

We sincerely thank everyone who helps our cause.