Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parole Decision topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parole denied for inmate who killed man in 1979; board cites gravity of offense
Summary
After hearing testimonials from family, prison ministers and victims' relatives, the parole board denied Jody Craig’s bid for parole, citing the severity of the 1979 homicide despite the applicant’s lengthy rehabilitation record.
The Louisiana Committee on Parole denied parole for Jody Craig on Aug. 6, 2025, after members concluded the severity of the 1979 homicide outweighed his rehabilitative progress. Craig, who has been incarcerated since Dec. 10, 1979, described participating in numerous self-help programs and religious activities at Louisiana State Penitentiary and said he had experienced a personal transformation, citing Alcoholics Anonymous, Toastmasters and victim-awareness work. "I was able to learn a lot about myself," he told the panel, describing long-term involvement in prison programming and a conversion to the Catholic faith. Supporters included prison staff, volunteer chaplains and representatives from Louisiana Parole Project, who said Craig had been a model prisoner for decades and offered a reentry plan and mentoring. "He has done everything he can to become the person he is today," Terry Myers of Louisiana Parole Project said, offering transitional services and a mentor plan. Victims’ family members and an elected representative spoke in opposition. Justin Lewis and others described the lasting impact on victims and families. Representative Raymond Cruz asked the board to weigh the gravity of the offense and public expectations of justice. Panel members said they had read the extensive file and heard both sides. Chair Steve Bridal said the crime was "egregious" and that consequences must be honored; the board voted to deny Craig’s request. The board recorded the denial at 10:09 a.m. on Aug. 6, 2025.
