Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parole Hearing Billy Fulghum topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parole board denies release for Billy Fulghum after emotional victim testimony and mixed support
Summary
The Louisiana Committee on Parole denied parole for Billy Fulghum, citing the seriousness of his offense, continued victim suffering and the judge’s original 30‑year sentence despite staff praise and reentry support offers.
The Louisiana Committee on Parole denied parole for Billy Fulghum (DOC 511707) on Sept. 17, 2024, after a hearing that included staff praise, family support and sustained opposition from the victim’s family and prosecutors.
State Police Captain Patrick Washington described Fulghum as "rock solid," noting 14 years at the State Police Barracks with steady work and program participation. The Louisiana Parole Project offered reentry services and temporary housing in Mississippi if the board chose to grant parole.
Victim family members spoke forcefully in opposition. Linda Reynolds, the mother of Ray Denny Jr., told the board, "When Billy shot Ray, Billy shot my whole family," and urged the board to deny release so the family’s ongoing harm would be respected. John Reynolds added that Ray Denny Jr. later died and that the coroner classified the death as a homicide, arguing the circumstances had changed and opposing early release.
Billy Fulghum spoke to the panel and apologized repeatedly, saying he "take[s] full responsibility" and attributing past conduct to drug addiction. He described sustained remorse and participation in in‑custody programs.
Assistant district attorneys and the victim’s family urged the board to respect the original plea and sentence. The board referenced the judge’s original 30‑year term and the continuing suffering of victims in explaining the denial. Commissioner comments acknowledged Fulghum’s positive institutional record but emphasized the gravity of the offense and the family’s objections.
The board’s decision: panel members voted to deny parole, citing the seriousness of the offense, the plea terms noted by the sentencing judge and continued victim impact. The board encouraged Fulghum to continue his record of discipline and programming; staff noted he could reapply in the future in accordance with statutory and administrative requirements.
Next steps: the denial is final for this hearing; the board recorded the vote and instructed staff to notify the offender and update administrative records. Fulghum was encouraged to maintain write‑free conduct and to reapply under the board’s reapplication rules when eligible.
