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Committee denies parole for Devon Tate to allow completion of required classes
Summary
Devon Tate, serving a 20-year sentence for manslaughter, was denied parole May 15, 2025, so he can complete required substance-abuse and prerelease classes that would advance his good-time date. Board members praised his program participation and family support but cited incomplete coursework and victim opposition as reasons to deny release now.
The Committee on Parole in Baton Rouge on May 15, 2025, denied parole for Devon Tate and instructed him to complete two required classes — substance abuse and a prerelease course — that will advance his good-time date and improve his eligibility for future release.
The case mattered to the board because Tate has active family and community support and has taken educational and work steps in custody, but he still needed mandated programming that affects his eligibility. Board members encouraged continuation of his progress while keeping him incarcerated until the coursework is complete.
Tate told the board he was sentenced to 20 years for manslaughter and has a parole date of May 18, 2025, a good-time date of Feb. 16, 2027, and a full term of May 18, 2040, as read into the record. He described the events that led to his conviction and said he had taken responsibility, obtained a GED, secured an OSHA card and enrolled in classes and transition programs while incarcerated. He cited religious faith and personal reformation as central to his rehabilitation.
Supporters spoke on his behalf. His mother, Miranda Tate, said she was proud of his changes and program participation. Community members and prospective employers described work opportunities awaiting Tate if he completes required programming. Correctional staff confirmed he had no recent write-ups and had graduated from a transitional program in January; staff also noted a prior medical transfer.
Board member Pete Freeman, who presided over Tate’s interview, said Tate had to finish two required courses before the board could grant parole credit for them. "You do have, as required by law, you got 2 classes you have to take, substance abuse and prerelease," Freeman said, and he voted to deny parole so Tate could finish the classes and receive the associated good-time credit.
Other board members supported the decision, noting Tate’s progress but emphasizing that completion of mandated programming and some victim opposition justified denying parole at this time. The board recorded that Tate had family support and that staff believed the classes would help his long-term success.
The denial is administrative rather than punitive: board members described it as a step to enable Tate to finish required classes, improve his conditional-release date and reapply with stronger standing once the coursework is complete.
