Orange County Appeals Court Overrides Governor’s Decision

After twenty four years behind bars for second degree murder Anthony Perez was granted parole by the 4th District Court of Appeal in Orange County. His original review by the Board of Parole Hearings in November 2008 granted him parole but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger blocked his release in 2009. The governor believed that Perez was still a danger because of his disregard for life shown at the time of the crime. The decision was appealed to the Orange County Superior Court which upheld the governor’s decision prompting Perez to appeal to the 4th District Court of Appeal. When Perez was 19 years-old he took part in a physical altercation that resulted in the death of an individual. Perez and other gang members beat a man who had a cousin in a rival gang. Perez hit the victim with a wooden board as he attempted to flee. During his time in prison Perez earned college credits, mainly stayed out of trouble and participated in Alcoholics Anonymous. The District Attorney opposed the appeal according to the Orange County register.