A murderer I write to may be getting released soon--should I worry?

Question

Back in college I was putting together a research project on murderers, and I decided to actually get in contact with one for some first-hand experience. I began writing to a man in prison that was convicted of killing his mother as a teenager. Over the course of our letters, we actually became pretty good friends. He has always been nice and respectful to me, and he looks forward to my letters because he enjoys hearing about life "on the outside." We have been writing for several years now because I saw no reason to stop just because my research was over.

Anyway, he has a parole hearing this January, and if approved he can possibly be getting a release. I can't believe I hadn't thought this far ahead (that he may one day get out), but I haven't and now I am just wondering if I should be concerned. He has my address because we write one another. He's never been threatening, and like I said, he says he considers me a friend and everything, but when you put it into simple words, a guy who killed his mother may get released and he knows where I live. It just sounds a bit alarming. Would you be concerned? I almost feel bad for being worried about this as I have no reason to believe he'd come after me or visit me where I live for any reason, but I wouldn't be human if I didn't worry about it. I think I am his only friend on the outside...

Answer 1

First off I understand your fear...it is very valid and I would have some of the same hesitations.

However...here is my viewpoint on it. We all make mistakes - some of us just make mistakes that affect others on a greater scale, but at the end of the day it was a mistake. I am sure he is sorry for what he did and if it was when he was a teenager that is in his past just like your mistakes are in your past. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Even if he did come and visit you - be thankful you are a friend and just be there for him. I can imagine being judged by others is a hard thing to be and to have someone that is not judgmental to you and is your friend regardless of your past is something he might need. :)

Answer 2

what jay said.



remember there is allot of un answered questions.



where was he in jail? where was he from? where is he getting paroled too? is it near you? if it is i would worry.



if it is not them i would not. he might expect or ask for a loan `to get back on his feet. be very careful with this cause once you him an inch then he will take a mile.



remember if he is paroled then he can not travel far from his parole officer.



would i expect him to do harm to you? not really. if he killed his mother when he was a teenager, there was a reason cause he felt she did something wrong to him. i would worry more if it was a random killing.



ether way be careful. don't loan any money, don't open arms up your house to him. and keep him at arms lengh.

Answer 3

Before you worry yourself sick...remember that this person has one big hurdle to clear...he must sit before a parole board and actually convince the board that he is eligible for parole. Parole is seldom granted for folk who committed murder prior to having their sentenced completed....it is simply not done. Do you have any idea what he was originally sentenced to? Do you know how many parole hearings he has had? Do you know if he has followed any of the parole board recommendations to expedite his release?

Answer 4

it incredibly is no longer in all hazard obtainable to offer an answer without understanding greater concerning the guy, or the main significant factors of his crime. in many cases, very few murderers repeat their offense. Robbers, fraudsters and a brilliant style of others are lots greater in all hazard to re-offend than a murderer. i do no longer think of you ought to experience uncomfortable, yet once you do, I propose you tell him overtly which you do no longer choose to fulfill with him. i'm able to't see the differenve between murdering your mothers and fathers. the two is undesirable. comprehensive end.

Answer 5

To be honest I'd be terrified!! Teenager or not,to have it in you to kill your own mother deliberately is pure evil. He may have settled down since then but always remember he has the potential to kill ANYONE at ANYTIME. He has done it once and he WILL do it again. I can't offer anymore advice other than to stay safe xx

Answer 6

Be on your guard. Not for a physical attack but for being scammed. Inmates are great at developing friendships with the gullible and then grooming them for a situation just like this. Don't be surprised if he asks to live with you, borrow money, or get closer. Don't have anything to do with him.

Answer 7

Time to change your name and move to another state. Whoops - you didn't think this plan through to the logical end when you started, did you? He's not going to have a job when he gets out of jail and is going to be looking for people to hang out with. Guess who he'll be looking up? Not his mother obviously - he blew her brains out.