Board grants parole to James Fuller with conditions and Parole Project placement

The Committee on Parole voted Feb. 4 to grant parole to James Fuller, who was 17 at the time of the offense and was resentenced in 2016 to permit parole consideration. The chair said the motion to grant parole was based on Fuller's institutional work, family and community support, and the Parole Project's commitment to provide housing and case management.

Attorney Robert Lancaster and Parole Project representative Andrew Hundley described Fuller's long-term engagement with rehabilitative programming at Angola, including his role as a STAR facilitator and multiple vocational certifications. Lancaster noted Fuller spent about 30 years at Angola and is now 47.

Leon Fitzgerald, victim-assistance representative from the Caddo District Attorney’s office, opposed release and described the offense as “shocking and senseless,” highlighting a long disciplinary record that she said required a longer track record of rehabilitation.

Fuller told the panel he is remorseful and described program work that now includes mentoring others; he said the STAR program was “life changing” and that he helps other men recover from substance misuse. The board placed conditions on the grant: supervision, Parole Project placement (Baton Rouge), at least eight hours per quarter of community service speaking to at-risk youth, and a requirement to avoid returning to Caddo Parish while on parole.

The panel emphasized the importance of the Parole Project's long-term involvement and family support in the decision to release Fuller under supervision.