Parole denied for Melvin Randall; board cites firearm possession on supervision and ongoing risk

The Louisiana Committee on Parole denied parole Sept. 11 for Melvin Randall, a third‑felony offender serving time with a history dating back decades. The hearing at Raymond LaLorde Correctional Center included staff summaries, family statements and questioning by board members.

Randall told the panel he committed the offense while drinking and expressed remorse, saying he had turned “my pain to a purpose.” Facility staff reported he completed multiple programs including victim‑awareness, substance‑abuse and prerelease classes and several faith‑based certificates. His mother, Christine Taylor, told the board she raised him in a Christian home and asked the board to consider his remorse and change.

Board members described Randall’s extensive criminal record and in‑custody discipline. One board member noted Randall had 60 disciplinary write‑ups across the record, including theft and contraband incidents, and pointed to a prior possession of a firearm while on supervision as a significant factor. Another member said the combination of the firearm possession while supervised, a subsequent offense while in custody and the fatality for which Randall was convicted led to a denial.

Although some panel members praised Randall’s recent program participation, the board voted to deny parole and encouraged Randall to obtain his GED and complete additional programming before reapplication. The panel told Randall the denial should be seen as an incentive to pursue further education and treatment while incarcerated.