Sister advocates for inmate John Matthews' release after 20 years of incarceration

In a somber yet hopeful atmosphere, the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole convened on December 12, 2024, to deliberate the fate of John Matthews, a man seeking parole after nearly two decades behind bars. The meeting unfolded with poignant testimonies from family members, advocates, and legal representatives, each voice contributing to the complex narrative surrounding Matthews' past and potential future.

Lori Lavoie, Matthews' sister, was the first to speak, her voice trembling with emotion as she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to advocate for her brother. "It's been a long 20 years since I've seen my brother," she said, urging the board to consider his release so he could reconnect with family and lead a productive life. Her heartfelt plea underscored the personal stakes involved, emphasizing the importance of family bonds and second chances.

Kerry Myers from the Louisiana Pearl Project followed, presenting a strong case for Matthews' rehabilitation. He highlighted Matthews' progress during his incarceration, noting that he had earned significant credits for good behavior and had taken on roles such as inmate counsel and trustee. "We don't believe that Mr. Matthews is any threat to public safety," Myers asserted, pointing out that the incident leading to Matthews' imprisonment occurred nearly 20 years ago and was out of character for him.

The board also heard from Warden Bickham, who painted a picture of Matthews as a transformed individual. Bickham described how Matthews had become a mentor to younger inmates, demonstrating a commitment to personal growth and community support within the prison system. However, the warden did acknowledge a past incident in 2012 involving a confrontation with another inmate, which raised questions about Matthews' behavior during his time in custody.

Opposition to Matthews' release emerged strongly from his estranged wife, Terry Matthews, who described him as manipulative and deceitful. Her testimony revealed deep-seated fears and concerns about his potential return to society, emphasizing the emotional scars left by their past. Assistant District Attorney Randall Meyer echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for mental health evaluations and treatment before any consideration of release, particularly given the nature of Matthews' original offense.

As the hearing progressed, the board faced the challenging task of weighing the testimonies of those advocating for Matthews against the concerns raised by his past and the impact on his victims. With Matthews having served nearly 20 years of his sentence, the discussions highlighted the broader themes of redemption, accountability, and the complexities of the parole process.

The meeting concluded with a sense of uncertainty, as the board members prepared to deliberate on Matthews' future. The outcome remains to be seen, but the voices heard during this session reflect the ongoing struggle between the hope for rehabilitation and the need for public safety, a balance that will shape the lives of many in the years to come.