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Post by PIP on Jul 10, 2007 21:40:56 GMT -6
****The following is from my sister. Please print the bottom letter, sign and send it to the address provided. I will PAY for your stamps!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE We cannot allow them to let him out! We have got to stop this. I need your help. ****
Hello everyone,
It is unfortunately time for Mr. Solis' file to be sent to the Parole Board for review. This does not automatically mean Mr. Solis will be released on parole, as his file must be approved by a parole panel. The review process is normally completed within four to six months. To assist the Parole Board in reaching a decision we are allowed to provide input by writing our comments regarding Mr. Solis' review and sending them to the address below no later than July 20th.
I have included a letter that you can simply sign and send as one way to provide input. Alternatively, I encourage you to personalize the attached letter as I have utilized language recommended by MADD as well as references discussed in my conversation with one of the Parole Board members last year. I found the Parole Board member to be reasonable and sympathetic to my concerns while also taking a very realistic approach. The letters each of you submit are a CRITICAL component in the decision making process.
Joe and I thank you for your continued support and we truly appreciate the many ways you have each brought us comfort over the past 2 1/2 years. Thank you for helping to bring a voice in the effort to obtain justice for James.
Please feel free to pass this information along to anyone else you believe would be interested in participating.
Thank you so very much,
Teresa
Send letters to: Raven Kazen, Director Victim Services Division 8712 Shoal Creek Blvd., Suite 265 P.O. Box 13401 Austin, TX 78711-3401
All letters must include this reference:
Offender: Solis, Santos III State ID: 07296364 TDCJ ID: 01334571
******************************************************
IN MEMORY OF
James Cucovatz March 29, 1986- December 18, 2004
July 10, 2007
Texas Department of Criminal Justice Victim Services Division Attn: Raven Kazen, Director 8712 Shoal Creek Blvd., Suite 265 P.O. Box 13401 Austin, TX 78711-3401
RE: Offender: Solis, Santos III State ID: 07296364 TDCJ ID: 01334571 Placed in Parole Review on 07-03-2007
Dear Board of Pardons and Paroles Panel,
I am writing in memory of James Cucovatz, killed by Mr. Santos Solis on December 18, 2004.
Mr. Solis was 20 years old. After a night of partying, intoxicated, with cocaine and marijuana in his system, he decided to get behind the wheel of his car. He drove in the wrong direction on Interstate 20 in Odessa, Texas for over 2 miles before striking the car James was in, head-on.
He killed James. He killed Angela Martinez and seriously injured Angela’s sister, Crystal.
Mr. Solis was sentenced on October 13, 2005. At the writing of this letter he has served but 1 year and 9 months of a 10 year sentence for killing James. Mr. Solis accepted a plea to receive his 10 year sentence and he should have to serve the full sentence. He took the plea; he now must fulfill his entire sentence and suffer the serious consequences of his deadly actions.
On April 13, 2006 Mr. Solis was also sentenced to 2 years for a State Jail Felony for possession of marijuana (Maverick County, Texas, Cause Number 05-05-05761-MCRAJA). This sentence is to run concurrently. At the writing of this letter he has served 15 months of his 2 year sentence.
While James Cucovatz and Angela Martinez are dead, the system has been good to Mr. Solis.
Mr. Solis used his vehicle on December 18, 2004 as a deadly weapon. He chose to take drugs and to drink alcohol and then get behind the wheel and drive. He willfully committed an act of deadly violence killing James Cucovatz and Angela Martinez. Please do not minimize the violent and deadly actions of Mr. Solis by granting him parole. Parole for Mr. Solis is a failure of the criminal system and a failure of justice for James Cucovatz and Angela Martinez. Mr. Solis must serve his entire 10 year sentence.
Respectfully submitted,
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Post by PIP on Jul 10, 2007 21:55:45 GMT -6
You can send this picture along with your letter if you want:
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Post by Kay on Jul 11, 2007 5:32:26 GMT -6
I've e-mailed a letter Heidi, hugs dear, let us know how it goes victim.svc@tdcj.state.tx.us
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Post by PIP on Jul 11, 2007 5:45:47 GMT -6
I've e-mailed a letter Heidi, and included James' pictures. victim.svc@tdcj.state.tx.us Thank you, Kay!
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Post by Lotus Flower on Jul 11, 2007 11:04:56 GMT -6
It was mailed today and will arrive tomorrow in Austin.
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Post by PIP on Jul 11, 2007 17:50:36 GMT -6
When a victim can no longer speak for themselves, it is up to us to speak for them... Your letters count. They mean something more than just what the parole board sees. Each one of them will be counted and read and with each reading and number added to the pile, James' voice becomes louder. I just want to drown them in that sound. Thank you!
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Post by Lisa on Jul 11, 2007 17:52:58 GMT -6
Heidi, I sent an e-mail, too.......here is the body of my letter:
Attn: Raven Kazen
I am writing to strongly oppose the parole of Santos Solis III. I am a friend of the aunt of James Cucovatz. James was one of the victims of Santos Solis III. I have witnessed the devastation this crime took on James' family. Their devastation will escalate if Mr. Solis is paroled. Please copy this e-mail and use it in all ways possible to keep Mr. Solis incarcerated.
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Post by PIP on Jul 11, 2007 17:59:36 GMT -6
Heidi, I sent an e-mail, too.......here is the body of my letter: Attn: Raven Kazen I am writing to strongly oppose the parole of Santos Solis III. I am a friend of the aunt of James Cucovatz. James was one of the victims of Santos Solis III. I have witnessed the devastation this crime took on James' family. Their devastation will escalate if Mr. Solis is paroled. Please copy this e-mail and use it in all ways possible to keep Mr. Solis incarcerated. Lisa, You must include Santos Solis' TDJC number and State ID. And thank you sooooo much!
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Post by Lisa on Jul 11, 2007 18:00:42 GMT -6
Heidi, I sent an e-mail, too.......here is the body of my letter: Attn: Raven Kazen I am writing to strongly oppose the parole of Santos Solis III. I am a friend of the aunt of James Cucovatz. James was one of the victims of Santos Solis III. I have witnessed the devastation this crime took on James' family. Their devastation will escalate if Mr. Solis is paroled. Please copy this e-mail and use it in all ways possible to keep Mr. Solis incarcerated. Lisa, You must include Santos Solis' TDJC number and State ID. And thank you sooooo much! Don't worry, darlin'. I did that in the subject line of the e-mail.
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Post by PIP on Jul 11, 2007 18:03:53 GMT -6
Lisa, You must include Santos Solis' TDJC number and State ID. And thank you sooooo much! Don't worry, darlin'. I did that in the subject line of the e-mail. ;D I should have known! Thank you again. You guys, I am crying now. You are all so wonderful.
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Post by Lisa on Jul 11, 2007 18:17:33 GMT -6
Don't worry, darlin'. I did that in the subject line of the e-mail. ;D I should have known! Thank you again. You guys, I am crying now. You are all so wonderful. I am glad to help you, Heidi. It's the right thing to do.
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Post by Kay on Jul 11, 2007 19:57:54 GMT -6
Here's a copy of the response I received to my e-mail Heidi:
From tamara.stockton@tdcj.state.tx.us
A copy of your e-mail will be placed in the offender's file for consideration by the Board of Pardons and Paroles at the appropriate time.
If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us toll free at 1-800-848-4284.
Mary Saldana Victim Services Division 1-800-848-4284 "Victim Services" victim.svc@tdcj.state.tx.
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Post by Lisa on Jul 11, 2007 23:10:50 GMT -6
Weird, but I didn't get a response. Wonder why?
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Post by rosebud on Jul 12, 2007 1:02:15 GMT -6
will it count from england. I will send it anyway
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Post by PIP on Jul 12, 2007 6:17:57 GMT -6
will it count from england. I will send it anyway Yes. Absolutely. Thank you Claire!
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Post by Lisa on Jul 12, 2007 11:14:56 GMT -6
Weird, but I didn't get a response. Wonder why? This came today: A copy of your e-mail will be placed in the offender's file for consideration by the Board of Pardons and Paroles at the appropriate time. If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us toll free at 1-800-848-4284. Mary Saldana Victim Services Division 1-800-848-4284 "Victim Services" victim.svc@tdcj.state.tx.us PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL: The sender intends to communicate the contents of this transmission only to the person to whom it is addressed. This transmission may contain information that is confidential, privileged, or proprietary and is not considered public record. If you are not the designated recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this comminucation is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone at 1-800-848-4284 and promptly destroy the original transmission. Thank you for you assistance.
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Post by rosebud on Jul 13, 2007 0:33:20 GMT -6
Weird, but I didn't get a response. Wonder why? This came today: A copy of your e-mail will be placed in the offender's file for consideration by the Board of Pardons and Paroles at the appropriate time. If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us toll free at 1-800-848-4284. Mary Saldana Victim Services Division 1-800-848-4284 "Victim Services" victim.svc@tdcj.state.tx.us PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL: The sender intends to communicate the contents of this transmission only to the person to whom it is addressed. This transmission may contain information that is confidential, privileged, or proprietary and is not considered public record. If you are not the designated recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this comminucation is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone at 1-800-848-4284 and promptly destroy the original transmission. Thank you for you assistance. Thats my response too. I really hope this helps heidi.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2007 17:38:07 GMT -6
Sent mine today. (((((((((((((((((Heidi))))))))))))))))))))
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Post by PIP on Jul 15, 2007 19:58:28 GMT -6
Thank you guys. They really do help. I am sorry I cannot thank you anymore than to say those words and they just feel so shallow compared to how grateful I am that you all would take the time to do that for me. I will let you all know how it goes in December. Ya know, that is another thing that totally p1sses me off. They have until December to review this but we only get ten days to get our feelings to them. WTF is that? UGH. Thanks again everyone; words just do not do it justice. This is the second time I have come to you with this and the second time you have come through for James. I love you.
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Post by Kay on Dec 2, 2007 20:13:45 GMT -6
Hello Everyone, Heidi asked me to update this thread, and let you know that parole was again denied for the person who killed James. She asked me to pass along her sincere thanks for all of your letters and support, and wanted you to know that you have, indeed, made a difference.
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Post by Lisa on Dec 3, 2007 18:22:13 GMT -6
Hello Everyone, Heidi asked me to update this thread, and let you know that parole was again denied for the person who killed James. She asked me to pass along her sincere thanks for all of your letters and support, and wanted you to know that you have, indeed, made a difference. Yay!
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Post by Tracy on Nov 21, 2008 13:30:28 GMT -6
Sorry i missed your request, this is the first time ive seen the parole protests thread, i will check back every time i log in now. Glad to hear he was denied PIP.
Tracy
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Post by Charlene on Nov 21, 2008 16:55:49 GMT -6
Raven, dear friend to us, has retired from Victims Services. Letters addressed to her will of course get where they need to be, but going forward, the new director is Angie McCown.
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Post by Charlene on Nov 22, 2008 7:31:15 GMT -6
I'm really sorry for you despite our differences. However, petitions play no part in the legal process so our signatures won't make one ounce of difference. And once again you are wrong. Petitions and protest letters can play a huge part in this part of the legal process. Every letter or petition that is sent to protest the release of a violent offender becomes a permanent part of the offender's file. Every letter is included in the record that is reviewed by the parole board at the time of parole eligibility. If you don't think it makes a difference, don't write a letter but don't try to dissuade others from writing because of your erroneous opinion.
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Post by Lisa on Nov 22, 2008 8:50:26 GMT -6
I'm really sorry for you despite our differences. However, petitions play no part in the legal process so our signatures won't make one ounce of difference. And once again you are wrong. Petitions and protest letters can play a huge part in this part of the legal process. Every letter or petition that is sent to protest the release of a violent offender becomes a permanent part of the offender's file. Every letter is included in the record that is reviewed by the parole board at the time of parole eligibility. If you don't think it makes a difference, don't write a letter but don't try to dissuade others from writing because of your erroneous opinion. Not that I need to, but I can vouch for this. I used to open these letters & place them in the files myself. My boss would go through all of the files (back then it was 15-20 on avg.) every morning before he set out to interview inmates. If there were lots of letters in the file, they made a powerful statement. I can remember my boss saying to inmates "There's a whole bunch of people trying to keep you in here. Why is that?" The truth is some letters carried more weight than others, especially letters from the prosecutor(s) who tried the case and law enforcement officials who investigated the case. My suggestion to any MVS who's trying to organize a letter writing campaign would be to start with them.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2008 9:11:50 GMT -6
And once again you are wrong. Petitions and protest letters can play a huge part in this part of the legal process. Every letter or petition that is sent to protest the release of a violent offender becomes a permanent part of the offender's file. Every letter is included in the record that is reviewed by the parole board at the time of parole eligibility. If you don't think it makes a difference, don't write a letter but don't try to dissuade others from writing because of your erroneous opinion. Not that I need to, but I can vouch for this. I used to open these letters & place them in the files myself. My boss would go through all of the files (back then it was 15-20 on avg.) every morning before he set out to interview inmates. If there were lots of letters in the file, they made a powerful statement. I can remember my boss saying to inmates "There's a whole bunch of people trying to keep you in here. Why is that?" The truth is some letters carried more weight than others, especially letters from the prosecutor(s) who tried the case and law enforcement officials who investigated the case. My suggestion to any MVS who's trying to organize a letter writing campaign would be to start with them. I agree that it makes a difference and I participate with that hope, even wishing such letters and petitions weren't necessary to keep them behind bars ~ and off our streets ~ as long as possible. So, considering that such letters and petitions help keep *some* of them behind bars, one must also acknowledge that the POS who brutally murders someone without family or friends will likely be released through parole to prey upon society because there's no MVS calling all citizens to do the right thing... no matter how much more brutal that slaying might be, no matter that that POS might actually be the more dangerous. Once again highlighting the unfairness............. petitions and letters ought not be necessary. Sentenced to ten, ten should be the minimum a perp serves ~ and when they killed, it shouldn't matter who they freaking killed or how beloved they were, or how many friends their relatives have.
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Post by Lisa on Nov 22, 2008 9:44:09 GMT -6
Once again highlighting the unfairness............. petitions and letters ought not be necessary. Sentenced to ten, ten should be the minimum a perp serves ~ and when they killed, it shouldn't matter who they freaking killed or how beloved they were, or how many friends their relatives have. Sad & infuriating, isn't it? I think many people blame parole boards, but the fault really lies at the feet of legislators. Not that parole boards aren't to blame at times, but really it's our legislators who are most reponsible. Everytime we fire off a parole protest letter or sign an online petition, we also ought to write our legislators.
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Post by josephdphillips on Nov 22, 2008 12:13:36 GMT -6
And once again you are wrong. Petitions and protest letters can play a huge part in this part of the legal process. Every letter or petition that is sent to protest the release of a violent offender becomes a permanent part of the offender's file. Every letter is included in the record that is reviewed by the parole board at the time of parole eligibility. If you don't think it makes a difference, don't write a letter but don't try to dissuade others from writing because of your erroneous opinion. Emails and online petitions don't count, though, do they?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2008 15:12:32 GMT -6
And once again you are wrong. Petitions and protest letters can play a huge part in this part of the legal process. Every letter or petition that is sent to protest the release of a violent offender becomes a permanent part of the offender's file. Every letter is included in the record that is reviewed by the parole board at the time of parole eligibility. If you don't think it makes a difference, don't write a letter but don't try to dissuade others from writing because of your erroneous opinion. Emails and online petitions don't count, though, do they? It varies in different states. Texas will print the emailed letters and put them in the offenders file (see the posts above in this thread). Some states will only accept snail mail letters. The people who normally post these threads will tell you what is acceptable in their case. If they do not say one way or another, and you are not sure about that state, it is good to ask so you can be sure your letter will get there.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2008 23:40:54 GMT -6
Once again highlighting the unfairness............. petitions and letters ought not be necessary. Sentenced to ten, ten should be the minimum a perp serves ~ and when they killed, it shouldn't matter who they freaking killed or how beloved they were, or how many friends their relatives have. Sad & infuriating, isn't it? I think many people blame parole boards, but the fault really lies at the feet of legislators. Not that parole boards aren't to blame at times, but really it's our legislators who are most reponsible. Everytime we fire off a parole protest letter or sign an online petition, we also ought to write our legislators. I agree... I don't blame parole boards either ~ how do they choose which dirtbags to believe anyway? Parole boards shouldn't be necessary. Truth in sentencing is something we all should want ~ and demand, I would think. What's with sentencing someone to ten years and they're eligible for release in two? If two is what we mean, then two is what we oughta give them in the first place. Ugh.
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