By Necalli Ollin
Efren’s youngest brother, Hans Koppenhoefer, Jr., later spoke and countered by stating that when he was in high school he knew someone who had a steno book full of rap lyrics much worse than the ones that Cotter read.
Hans went on to state that the same person is now employed as a police officer in Berrien County.
Dozens of people requested to speak on Efren’s behalf at the hearing. Efren limited the number to twenty people which included three immediate family m embers, clergy, community leaders, organization board members, a psychologist, MSU students, two of his employment supervisors at Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund, 1320 AM Lansing radio show host Jack Ebling, and wrongful convictions expert, Paul Ciolino.
Efren’s supporters presented compelling reasons why he should be released besides the fact of his innocence. They talked about all the positive things he has done while imprisoned for himself and others, how he could be a productive member of society if released, his employment opportunities, available home placement, and overwhelming support.
They also argued why Efren’s sentence is a violation of the Convention On the Rights of the Child (CRC) and constitutes a human rights violation. The CRC prohibits the imposition of the death penalty or life without parole sentences for children.
Paul Ciolino, world-renowned wrongful convictions expert and Chicago-based private investigator, told the Parole Board that Efren’s case is a classic wrongful conviction case. He reaffirmed the AAG’s position that criminals change their mind all the time. Ciolino told the Parole Board that the criminals who accused Efren of being the perpetrator of the crime have changed their stories many times.
Efren’s defense has remained consistent for 20 years and he has maintained his innocence. Ciolino told the Parole Board he has reviewed hundreds of wrongful conviction cases and exonerated 20 innocent men, including cases with much mo re alleged evidence than in Efren’s case.
The previous day at a press conference Ciolino told the media that the conduct of the criminals in Efren’s case is consistent with the actions of criminals — they pursue deals with the police and prosecutor and do anything they can to escape punishment. Efren, however, has never done that or wavered about his innocence.
The AAG also argued that Efren has only served 20 years and “20 years is not a lot of time.” Efren responded that he totally disagreed. He went on to say that he was arrested at age 15 and is now 35-years-old. Efren has spent more time in prison than he did a free boy in society.
In a post-hearing conversation with members of The Injustice Must End (TIME) Committee Efren stated, “20 years is a lot of time by anyone’s standard — I have no idea what the AAG’s concept of time is.”
Once Efren’s supporters concluded speaking the Parole Board chairperson, Barbara Sampson, told Efren what some of the terms of his parole would be, if he is released. She also told him that if the Parole Board does not release him she urged him to continue on the path he has been on, doing the same positive work he has been doing.
Ms. Sampson commended Efren for all his accomplishments and the large amount of support he had present at the hearing. She told him, however, if the Parole Board releases him, it will not be because of all the support he had present at the hearing.
Efren was informed, if he is released it would occur because of his accomplishments, that he has served sufficient time, and he is not a danger to society. It was stated that the Parole Board could not take into consideration Efren’s innocence because he has been convicted and is guilty under the eyes of the law.
According to Ms. Sampson, the purpose of the public hearing was not to examine guilt or innocence, though the AAG spent several hours extensively discussing Efren’s case. Ms. Sampson stated that the purpose of the hearing was to determine Efren’s readiness to return to society.
The AAG then opposed Efren’s release and added that because Efren has been convicted and he refuses to admit to the crime it makes him a sociopath, and he would pose a danger to society if released.
Efren was subsequently allowed to make concluding remarks to the Parole Board stating why he feels he is deserving of release. He delivered a powerful and moving appeal to the Parole Board for the opportunity to reclaim his life and experience life as a free citizen for the first time in his adult life.
He assured the Parole Board he would comply with all conditions of parole and do whatever was asked of him, including not returning to Berrien County for any reason. Efren also told the Parole Board he harbored no ill feelings toward the people who put him in prison. He said he understood that anger and bitterness are destructive to the human spirit and he did not wish to live like that.
Efren said he was focused on the future and moving forward with his life. He stated that every moment he spends thinking about the past is a moment he cannot think looking to the future. Efren added that he rejects the notion that people are inherently incorrigible and that he engenders the concept of redemption. He asked the Parole Board to consider this as well.
Finally, Efren told the Parole Board that he has accomplished more than many prisoners that have been paroled, and feels he is equally deserving of the opportunity for release in the interest of fairness and equality.
Ms. Sampson told everyone present at the hearing that the Parole Board will likely make their recommendation to the Governor about Efren’s release after the new year. The Governor will then issue a final decision about the commutation request after reviewing it.?
To learn more about the case of Efren Paredes, Jr. visit www.4Efren.com.
For more on Part I, log on to
www.tncp.net.
