A man from San Luis Obispo County, who admitted to raping and murdering a woman, will be released after Governor Gavin Newsom opted not to block his parole. This decision came despite numerous appeals from prosecutors who wanted him to remain incarcerated.
Alberto Tamez Jr., 75, was convicted in 1974 for the rape and strangulation of Genevieve Adaline Moreno. Last year, a state board granted him parole, which District Attorney Dan Dow argued against persistently.
Dow criticized the governor’s choice, stating, “I think it’s wrong to keep letting violent criminals out just to fulfill a policy of reducing prison populations.” He further expressed concerns that Dr. Newsom is prioritizing policy over public safety.
As of now, Governor Newsom has not publicly explained his decision, and his office has not responded to requests for comments.
Dow stressed the severity of Tamez’s crime, saying that those who commit such violent acts should face either the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The governor’s decision has sparked outrage, especially as it follows other controversial parole rulings.
Tamez is among several inmates benefiting from California’s parole reforms, such as the Elderly Parole Program, which allows inmates over 50 who have served 20 years to be eligible for parole.
Similarly, Gregory Lee Vogelsang, convicted of sexually abusing multiple boys, and David Allen Funston, a serial child molester, have also faced parole hearings. Pushback from respective county prosecutors has complicated their release processes.
In another instance, Israel Ceha, who was sentenced to 139 years for repeatedly assaulting his stepdaughter, faced reconsideration for release before public outcry led to the parole board reversing its decision.
The District Attorney’s office has been actively opposing these releases, with Dow asserting a need to refocus attention on victims of crime rather than solely on the rights of criminals. He indicated that many in California are growing increasingly frustrated with the current system.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton echoed this sentiment, criticizing Governor Newsom for seemingly passing the responsibility of parole decisions.
Back in 1974, Tamez’s assault on Moreno was brutal; her body was found a short distance from a bar where he had worked. He ultimately pleaded no contest to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life with parole eligibility—a reality Dow argues no one anticipated in the past.
Now, decades later, with no witnesses or family coming forward for Moreno, Tamez’s release into society raises significant concerns for many, leaving a tragic, lingering impact from that summer in 1974.
Investigators had identified Tamez as the attacker based on forensic evidence, with testimonies revealing a harrowing account of the assault. Dow and his office are now striving to bring more recognition to victims within the justice system.
“We refer to it as the justice system, not just the criminal justice system,” Dow pointed out. He emphasized that every crime fundamentally affects a victim and believes this perspective needs more public attention.
