Parole Board Weighs Freedom for Conyers Killer, Family Fears Change
The family of a murder victim is anxious as the parole board considers the release of her killer after decades in prison
Conyers, Georgia, Joseph Monroe, Shirley McKnight, Parole Board
Conyers: A big deadline has come and gone for a man convicted of murder. Joseph Monroe, who killed Shirley McKnight 30 years ago, could be released soon. Her family is understandably on edge.
Shirley’s sister, Melba McKnight-Lett, shared how holidays are tough without her. They still put up decorations to feel close to her, but this year, the pain feels even heavier.
In September, the Georgia Parole Board gave Monroe a tentative parole. The family found out about it through a news report, not the usual notification letters.
Melba was shocked. She wondered how many other families might be in the dark about similar situations. They only learned about the parole when her daughter got an email from the board.
That email gave them just 20 days to object to Monroe’s release. The stress has been overwhelming for them since they heard the news.
After reaching out to the parole board, they learned they had until December 20 to submit their objections. Melba expressed frustration, saying the notification process failed them completely.
As of now, the board hasn’t made a decision. They mentioned that if Monroe is granted parole, he might have to complete a work release program first.
If he’s denied, they’ll set a new date for reconsideration, which could be anywhere from one to eight years later. The family is determined to push for changes in how the board communicates with victims’ families.
They plan to take their concerns to state lawmakers, hoping for an investigation into the notification process and a more structured timeline for decisions.