Chapman, Tonya Sent: ‘Tuesday, December 8, 2020 4:27 PM To Christina Thompson Subject: [EXT] Re: Gregory Joyner Released on Parole || CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Sinclar. Do not cick links or open attachments unless [| You recognize the sender and know the content is safe, Christina, The Virginia Parole Board's monthly decisions are published on the Parole Boards public website in accordance with Virginia Code § $3.1-136 (6). As noted on the website, the Parole Board does not provide information as to individual Parole decisions in response to questions submitted through the online contact form. As such, the Parole Board will not Provide further comment to media requests for details on individual cases. Since parole was abolished about 25 years ago, the remaining offenders that are eligible for discretionary parole are Generally convicted of serious offenses. These are very difficult cases and the Parole Board does not take lightly the responsibility to ensure that each release is compatible with public safety. Each Parole Board member has an independent vote with unique reasoning as to why they vote to grant or not grant a case.The Board takes many factors into consideration when voting a case. These factors include, but are not limited to: Criminal history, victim input, age at time of offense, institutional adjustment, medieal/mental health, pre-sentence report and sentencing information, time served, home pian, offender support, offender opposition, and risk assessment. Every case is unique with its own individual set of circumstances and each case must be viewed comprehensively Regards Chair Chapman (On Tue, Dec & 2020 at 3:44 PM Chapman, Tonya wrote: Hello Christina, | have been in meetings all day | will work on a response shorty. Thanks Tonya (On Tue, Dec &, 2020 at 3:42 PM Christina Thompson wrote Hello, | am sure the Governor would not want to ignore this sort of issue, as a convicted murderer and sex offender was just released into the commonwealth. Furthermore, the public was not granted any sort of reasoning behind this decision. Since today the governor was unable to get back to me, please let me know which day this week would work well for his statement, Thanks, Christina Thompson Reporter, ABC 13 News 434.942.9322 From: Christina Thompson Sent: Tuesday, December 8, 2020 10:19 AM. To: Yarmosky, Alena Subject: Statement RequestThis is Christina Thompson with ABC 13 News. ''m reaching out to request a statement on behalf of Governor Northam, Our station recently received a press release on behalf of the family of Sarah Jamison. Ms. Jamison was raped and brutally murdered in 1989. Her body was found buried in the wood near her parent's home. Her killer, Gregory Joyner, was sentenced to life plus 10 years in prison for this crime Just a year and a half after Governor Northam appointed Tonya Chapman as the new head of the parole ‘board here in Lynchburg, Gregory Joyner was released on parole. Ms. Jamison’s family received the news on November 23rd, 2020. |'am aware that the parole board is held solely accountable by the governor's office. | am also aware that these parole decisions are final. Joyner has only served about half his sentence. I'd like for Governor Northam to address this. Why was Joyner, a man who committed a heinous and violent crime, released out into the community? What action will your offices now take? Will there be disciplinary actions taken against the parole board? Twice before, in 2017 and 2019, Joyner was considered for parole and denied because of the violent nature of his crime. Why then, under this newly appointed board, was he granted parole? ‘Thanks in advance for your response. Best, Christina Thompson Reporter, ABC 13 News