The New York State Parole Board is considering the release of Matias Reyes, a notorious criminal convicted for multiple violent sexual assaults, including the 1989 Central Park Jogger case. Granting parole to such an individual poses an extreme risk to public safety and sends a dangerous message about our justice system's stance on violent crimes.

Among his multiple violent acts, rapes and murders was the murder of Lourdes gonzalez.
On June 13, Reyes broke into the apartment of Lourdes Gonzalez, 24, a young mother with three children and pregnant with a fourth. She and her husband Antonio Serrano, father of Tony, roughly 7, were planning to leave for Philadelphia to escape the high crime rate, telling Antonio about her pregnancy with baby Ojala that night. Her stepson Tony Serrano answered the door when Reyes asked about the superintendent, shortly before barging in and demanding change. After Lourdes realized the situation and gave Toni his baby half-sister Amanda, Reyes forced her into her bedroom while she fought and locked the door, raping her while her children could hear the sounds of the attack, including her first son Carlitos, 6. Reyes threatened he'd either slash her eyes or kill her children, but in the end, he stabbed her nine times, including in her face and abdomen. Lourdes called 911 shortly after Reyes fled, trying to get outside of the building for help. She died near the building's elevator, her unborn child also being killed from the violence.

Matias Reyes admitted to the rape and aggravated assault of a young woman in Central Park, and his confession led to the exoneration of five wrongly accused individuals in a notorious miscarriage of justice. However, his admission of guilt in this and other heinous crimes does not reduce the impact of his actions on his victims and society.

Reyes has demonstrated a pattern of violence and predation, committing vicious acts against at least seven women. His crimes have inflicted irreversible trauma, and his incarceration is paramount in preventing further harm. The likelihood of recidivism for offenders of Reyes's nature is well-documented, and it would be a grave oversight to allow him back into the community.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 5 out of every 6 released rapists and sex offenders are arrested for additional crimes within five years. The potential risk of reoffense underscores the need for continued incarceration for individuals like Reyes.

We urge the New York State Parole Board to prioritize public safety and justice for the victims by denying parole to Matias Reyes. Keeping him behind bars will not only diminish the risk of further assaults but also uphold the integrity of our justice system that seeks to protect the innocent and deter violence.

Please join us in advocating for the safety of our communities and the rightful justice owed to victims of such violent crimes. Sign this petition to ensure that Matias Reyes remains incarcerated and unable to harm others.