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Board denies pardon for Jennifer Helmedek after victims urge rejection
Summary
The Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously denied an absolute pardon for Jennifer Helmedek on Sept. 9, 2025, after family members of the victim strongly opposed the request and board members said the harm to victims would be diminished by erasing the conviction.
The Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles on Sept. 9, 2025, unanimously denied an absolute pardon for applicant Jennifer Helmedek, following extended testimony from the victim’s family and public input from the Office of Victim Services.
Board chair Deborah Smith Palmeri moved to deny the request, and Commissioners Joy Chance and Sergio Rodriguez joined her vote. The board said the seriousness of Helmedek’s role and the continuing impact on victims and their families weighed against erasing her criminal record.
Why it matters: family members and victim advocates told the board that Helmedek’s pardon would erase harms they said were long-lasting and severe. Those statements shaped the board’s decision to deny the application.
Family members told the board they opposed any pardon. Brian Bennett, the father of the victim,…
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