Parole boards across the United States are set to hear from infamous criminals seeking release in 2024. However, their release is not guaranteed, as they must demonstrate evidence of reformation before being considered for parole. Victims’ families also have the opportunity to testify or submit an affidavit to influence the decision on whether these convicted killers should be freed.
In South Carolina, Susan Smith, infamously known as the Murderer Mom, will be eligible for parole for the first time in November 2024. In 1994, Smith let her car roll into a lake with her two sons still strapped into their car seats, and then fabricated a story about being carjacked. She was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Her ex-husband’s family plans to oppose her parole bid.
David Berkowitz, known as the ‘Son of Sam’ killer, has a parole hearing scheduled for May 2024. In 1976 and 1977, he terrorized New York City with a series of shootings, resulting in the deaths of six people and the injury of seven others. Despite becoming a born-again Christian in prison, Berkowitz has been consistently rejected for parole since he first became eligible in 2002.
Patricia Krenwinkel, a member of the Manson Family, will make her 16th attempt to secure parole in May 2024. In 1969, the Manson Family committed a notorious murder spree, including the killing of actress Sharon Tate and supermarket executive Leno LaBianca. Krenwinkel’s parole bid in 2022 was blocked by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who stated she was not a victim, but a willing participant in the murders.
Lastly, Edmund Kemper, also known as the ‘Co-Ed Killer’, is eligible for parole in July 2024. Kemper killed at least 10 people, including his mother, between 1972 and 1973. Despite numerous parole applications, he has always been denied release.
While these notorious criminals may potentially be released on parole in 2024, their freedom is far from guaranteed. Each individual’s case will be closely scrutinized by parole boards, and victims’ families will have the opportunity to present evidence on why these killers should remain in prison.