More answers needed from parole board

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March 14, 2009

Anonymous The Meridian Star Sat Mar 14, 2009, 11:25 PM CDT

God forbid that anything tragic happen to Bettie Lou Jones’ family and then someone claim that it is no more significant than any other case, as she did (in 3/13/09 article “Jones says attention only major difference”). Has Jones no compassion for the family of Jean Elizabeth Gillies? I dare say that she would not be so flippant with her comments if she or her family were a victim of a violent crime.

According to the article, Jones refuses to comment on her vote, as a member of Mississippi’s Parole Board, and their decision to parole murderer Douglas Hodgkin. She should be held accountable for her vote, whether she voted for or against Hodgkin’s parole, and she should publicly state on which side her vote was cast. If she voted for parole, she should produce evidence in support of her decision, and if she voted against parole, she should publicly denounce the board’s decision to release this monster into our midst. As a member of the board, appointed by the Governor of this state, with a reported salary of $70,000, she is accountable to the citizens of Mississippi, and we, as citizens, should demand no less than a full account of the evidence supporting the rehabilitation and release of this convicted rapist and murderer.

As previously stated, I support the rehabilitation of criminals convicted of all types of crimes. But, there is a punishment factor that is inherent in jailing convicted criminals, and I simply don’t think that 22 years in prison is enough punishment for someone convicted of the heinous crimes detailed in this case.

I boldly ask for a full account of the parole board’s decision and ask again: Was Douglas Hodgkin the most suitable person in the Mississippi prison system to put back into our society? If he was, what evidence supports this decision? Mrs. Jones, you have an opportunity to explain your vote to the citizens of Mississippi; please take advantage of this opportunity, or resign your position on the board.

Jason Armstrong

Meridian

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