Alabama Families Share Parole Concerns: 'We Are Listening'

Family Members Share Heartbreaking Stories at Alabama Parole Hearing

Family members of individuals incarcerated in Alabama’s prisons shared harrowing accounts during a recent hearing before the Joint Prison Oversight Committee. Their testimonies highlighted the challenges posed by the state's current parole system and the new guidelines that have left many feeling hopeless.

Laura Click, who teaches life skills to recently released inmates, emphasized that the lack of parole opportunities is leading to increased violence and overcrowding within the prison system. “The hope of release for prisoners is the strongest driver of change we have,” she said. Click noted that 21 individuals at work release facilities were denied parole last month, with their next hearings delayed for up to five years. “That’s not corrections, that’s warehousing,” she added.

The hearing focused heavily on the state’s parole system, with several family members expressing frustration over the process. Colleen Howell, whose son Corey was denied parole due to misinformation, recounted how the former chairperson of the parole board, Leigh Gwathney, dismissed her son’s accomplishments. Despite showing proof from her phone, Corey was denied parole and would have served his entire sentence without another hearing. However, after further verification, the decision was reversed, and Corey was granted parole.

Gwathney’s term as chairperson ended last month, and she was replaced by Hal Nash, a lawman from Jackson County. The new leadership has sparked discussions about potential changes to the parole process.

Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, confirmed Howell’s story and acknowledged the need for more transparency and oversight. Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, stressed the importance of allowing parole applicants to submit video statements to ensure all information is considered. “It’s not about getting as many people out as possible,” he said. “It’s about creating a fair system where both sides can present information.”

Click also raised concerns about the proposed rule that would extend the maximum wait between parole hearings for those serving life sentences from five to ten years. She argued that this creates an unfair distinction between those sentenced to life versus those given a thousand-year term.

Carla Crowder, executive director of Alabama Appleseed, pointed out that the new guidelines could penalize individuals who struggle to find employment or housing while still incarcerated. She described these challenges as “extremely difficult” for those behind bars.

Other speakers shared their experiences, including Tim Mathis, who lost his son in prison after being denied parole. He criticized the measures taken to reduce violence as “wholly inadequate.” Yolanda Williams, a 20-year Army veteran, spoke about the “inhabitable” conditions at Fountain Correctional Facility, comparing them to what would be unacceptable for animals.

Alabama’s prisons are facing multiple lawsuits, including a federal investigation into the conditions and the prevalence of physical and sexual violence. The latest lawsuit from the Department of Justice is set to go to trial next spring.

Chambliss concluded the hearing by acknowledging the public input and commitment to making improvements. “We are listening,” he said. “We are trying to make things better.”

Howell reflected on the close call her family had with the parole process. “If I had already been in my car leaving the parking deck before the parole workers found me in May, who knows what would have happened,” she said. Corey Howell added, “I’d probably still be there.”

The families emphasized the importance of having someone advocate for their loved ones. “So many people he knows, there is absolutely no family that cares about him,” Howell said. “So all they have is what’s in that file in front of them. If that paperwork isn’t right, there’s people sitting in prison that should not be in prison.”