June 12, 2013— Yesterday, a panel of the California Board of Parole Hearings issued a decision granting parole to inmate Sara Kruzan. Michael Teter, Associate Professor of Law at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, who has worked on Kruzan’s behalf since 2007 when he was an attorney at Perkins Coie, described Kruzan as “an extraordinary woman who has already inspired many young people from difficult circumstances. We are hopeful that the legal battle for her freedom will soon be over.”
“Sara was originally sentenced in 1995 to life without parole as a juvenile for killing the man who had been her pimp since she was 13 years old,” Teter said. “In 2011, Governor Schwarzenegger commuted her sentence to 25-to-life. Last year, the California Supreme Court issued an order to show cause on the habeas petition we filed on Sara’s behalf. We then negotiated with the Riverside County District Attorney to accept a second-degree murder conviction and a sentence of 15-to-life. Sara became immediately eligible for parole and the Board heard her case yesterday. The Board concluded that Sara was suitable and will set a date for her release soon.”
Kruzan’s supporters issued a statement that reads in part: “While this decision is subject to review by the full Board and the Governor, the panel recognized Sara’s sincere remorse, her successful efforts to overcome severe childhood abuse and exploitation, and her remarkable accomplishments while incarcerated the past 19 years. It is expected that review by the full Board and the Governor will occur within the next few months but could take place sooner. Sara . . . has expressed gratitude to the Board for the opportunity to be paroled and to her many supporters for their efforts of her behalf and their well wishes.”
More information about Sara Kruzan and the case is available here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR7mno6p9iQ
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sara_Kruzan
http://www.perkinscoie.com/files/upload/04_11_2013_2012_Pro_Bono_Report.PDF (pg. 18)