Committee grants parole to 84-year-old cancer patient to spend final months with family

The Committee on Parole granted parole Nov. 4 to inmate Alma Randall, 84, after hearing medical testimony that his cancer has recurred and is expected to be life-limiting without treatment.

Board members said they were moved by Randall's written statement and by medical evidence presented by Dr. Daniel Crook, who told the panel Randall has metastatic disease in his lungs and that oncology notes estimate he likely would not survive more than about six months without radiation or chemotherapy. Warden Michelle Dozat told the board Randall had been a trustee for decades, worked in horticulture and groundskeeping, and had been recently reunited with his daughter.

The board’s decision to grant parole was framed around Randall’s medical condition, his age and long custody history. "He has been reformed," the Warden said in recommending consideration. Randall read a written statement of remorse to the panel at the hearing.

Board members emphasized statutory limits and noted that Randall’s formal parole eligibility date remains April 10, 2026, and that there are administrative steps the inmate must complete before release. The panel recorded that release on parole would not be incompatible with the welfare of society given his medical condition and low assessed risk.

The board imposed the usual parole conditions and recorded a stipulation that Randall complete any outstanding statutory steps necessary before an effective release date. The Warden and family members were present and thanked the panel for its consideration.

The panel’s vote was recorded at the hearing; staff said sheriffs in the relevant parishes took no position. The board indicated any necessary follow-up will be handled by custody and the supervising parole agent.