Attorney General voices support for Governor’s right to deny parole for violent shooter

OLYMPIA—Attorney General Bob Ferguson today stood behind Governor Jay Inslee’s decision to cancel parole for Jerry Lain who shot Richland police officer Mike Fitzpatrick in 1982 while in Washington on parole from Iowa.
 
Following Solicitor General Noah Purcell’s oral argument before the Washington State Supreme Court, in the 9-0 ruling, the court upheld the constitutionality of state law giving the Governor power to grant or cancel parole. The court also rejected Lain’s other claims.
 
“The Washington State Supreme Court in November 2013 issued a unanimous decision recognizing the Governor’s authority to cancel parole for dangerous criminals in Washington — even if the state’s parole board recommends otherwise,” Ferguson said. “Governor Inslee appropriately exercised his authority in this case.”

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