Deny Early Parole for Joseph John Plass
The Issue
On the tragic evening of November 12, 2008, my husband, Shelton Douglas Stephens, was senselessly taken from this world. Shelton was brutally stabbed and murdered by a complete stranger, Joseph John Plass, forever altering the fabric of my life. Plass was charged with second-degree murder and later accepted an Alford plea, acknowledging that the evidence against him was overwhelming while maintaining his innocence. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, a sentence which allowed for the possibility of parole.
Now, only 18 years into his 30-year sentence, Joseph John Plass is scheduled to appear before the parole board on October 16, 2026. The prospect of his early release has reignited the nightmares, depression, and severe anxiety that have plagued me since the day Shelton was taken from me. My husband was robbed of his future, and our family was deprived of time with him—a reality we must endure every day.
The criminal justice system granted Plass the opportunity for parole. However, granting him early release would not only be a miscarriage of justice but a deep betrayal to Shelton's memory and to all those affected by such unprovoked violence. Early release would send the message that the lives of victims like Shelton are of lesser value than the rehabilitation of their perpetrators.
While the rehabilitation of offenders is a pillar in our justice system, it must be balanced against the need for justice and the safety of the community. Statistics have repeatedly shown that premature parole can lead to reoffense, and violent offenders like Plass pose a significant risk if released prematurely. The likelihood for recidivism in violent crimes is concerning, adding undue burden and fear to the community.
I humbly ask the parole board to consider the gravity of Plass’s actions and the lifelong ramifications his violence has wrought on me and all who loved Shelton. Let the sentence reflect the severity of the crime; let justice be served by denying parole.
Your signature will support this quest for justice and help uphold the values that safeguard our community. Please sign this petition to urge the parole board to deny early parole for Joseph John Plass. Together, our voices can make a difference and ensure that this violent crime does not lose its weight to a misguided message of second chances for those who squander them at the cost of human life.
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The Issue
On the tragic evening of November 12, 2008, my husband, Shelton Douglas Stephens, was senselessly taken from this world. Shelton was brutally stabbed and murdered by a complete stranger, Joseph John Plass, forever altering the fabric of my life. Plass was charged with second-degree murder and later accepted an Alford plea, acknowledging that the evidence against him was overwhelming while maintaining his innocence. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, a sentence which allowed for the possibility of parole.
Now, only 18 years into his 30-year sentence, Joseph John Plass is scheduled to appear before the parole board on October 16, 2026. The prospect of his early release has reignited the nightmares, depression, and severe anxiety that have plagued me since the day Shelton was taken from me. My husband was robbed of his future, and our family was deprived of time with him—a reality we must endure every day.
The criminal justice system granted Plass the opportunity for parole. However, granting him early release would not only be a miscarriage of justice but a deep betrayal to Shelton's memory and to all those affected by such unprovoked violence. Early release would send the message that the lives of victims like Shelton are of lesser value than the rehabilitation of their perpetrators.
While the rehabilitation of offenders is a pillar in our justice system, it must be balanced against the need for justice and the safety of the community. Statistics have repeatedly shown that premature parole can lead to reoffense, and violent offenders like Plass pose a significant risk if released prematurely. The likelihood for recidivism in violent crimes is concerning, adding undue burden and fear to the community.
I humbly ask the parole board to consider the gravity of Plass’s actions and the lifelong ramifications his violence has wrought on me and all who loved Shelton. Let the sentence reflect the severity of the crime; let justice be served by denying parole.
Your signature will support this quest for justice and help uphold the values that safeguard our community. Please sign this petition to urge the parole board to deny early parole for Joseph John Plass. Together, our voices can make a difference and ensure that this violent crime does not lose its weight to a misguided message of second chances for those who squander them at the cost of human life.
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Petition created on August 11, 2026