SAN DIEGO — Less than a month away from the Santana High School shooter’s parole hearing, the San Diego County District Attorney’s office is inviting victims to have their voices heard on September 10.
During Andy Williams’ parole hearing, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan will represent the People and victims of the shooting. Victims or their next of kin must register by August 26 to appear during the virtual hearing.
The hearing marks the first time Williams will appear before the California Parole Board since murdering two classmates and shooting 13 others at Santana High School in Santee on March 5, 2001.
“Having victim voices at hearings like this are an extremely important part of the process,” said Stephan. “This particular crime has hundreds of victims associated with it and it’s important to us that victims are aware of their rights under the law to participate in the parole hearing if they wish to do so.”
In a statement to CBS 8, a spokesperson said the district attorney's office opposes Williams' release.
Only registered victims, next of kin, family members, support persons or designated representatives can appear during the hearing.
Williams's chance at parole is due to a change in state laws that alters parole eligibility guidelines for juveniles who were tried as adults. In Williams's case, the law requires that any juvenile who was charged as an adult and received a life sentence has a chance at parole no later than 25 years into their sentence.
Over the past year and a half, CBS 8 has followed the lead-up to Williams' parole eligibility, including interviews with legal experts and Williams' attorney.
During that time, CBS 8 also spoke to victims and the mother of slain 14-year-old Bryan Zuckor as well as conducted several interviews with Williams from prison.
How to attend
- Notify the Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services by e-mail at victimservices@cdcr.ca.gov or by telephone at 1-877-256-6877.
- When notifying them of your intent to attend a hearing, please provide them with the manner by which you will participate (by videoconference or by telephone).
- For more information on how to be included at the hearing, victims may contact the District Attorney’s Lifer Hearing Unit at 619-531-4115 or at SanDiegoDA@sdcda.org