After 46 years in prison for the murders of three gay men in New Orleans, at the age of 16, 63-year-old Warren Harris Junior has been granted parole. Because he committed crimes as a teen, a state law passed in 2017, allowed juvenile lifers parole eligibility after 25 years. Harris apologized for his crimes.
“To each family member of the victims, I sincerely apologize for taking the lives of your loved ones. I’m truly sorry and regret what happened, 46-years ago,” said Harris.
Harris was convicted in 1977 on three counts of first-degree murder for the stabbing deaths of Jack Savell, Alden Dean, and Ernest Pommier.
Former Caddo Parish Sheriff, and Governor Jeff Landry appointee to the parole board, Steve Prator voted against Harris’ release. Prator said what Harris did is similar to a smoker who has cancer, they might stop smoking, but they still have cancer.
“Considering the fact that you were given three-lives sentences to run consecutively my vote is to deny,” said Prator.
Jerrie Ledoux, who was also appointed by Landry told Harris she read the 200 pages of his file several times and while some things in his write-up still concerned her, she voted in favor of his parole.
“After 46-years of incarceration I believe that you’re ready for the streets. And so, my vote is to grant parole,” said Ledoux.
The Louisiana Parole Project argued that Harris’ drug addiction as a teen was the cause of his erratic behavior.
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