In a shocking turn of events, a California child killer who brutally murdered a 3-year-old boy in 2000 is now one step closer to being released on parole. Patrick Goodman, 49, beat his girlfriend’s son, Elijah Sanderson, to the point where he suffered numerous traumatic injuries, broken bones, and pulverized organs. Despite the prosecutor’s pledge to keep him behind bars for life, state officials have approved his parole, leaving the final decision in the hands of Governor Gavin Newsom.
During a parole hearing in December, Goodman expressed remorse for his actions and claimed that he is no longer the monster he used to be. Parole board commissioners Michele Minor and Dane Blake decided that Goodman does not pose an unreasonable risk to public safety and deemed him suitable for parole. This decision has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the qualifications of officials on the parole board.
Former San Francisco Police officer Britt Elmore described the crime as the most heinous and emphasized the vulnerability of the child victim. He expects Governor Newsom to overrule the parole board’s decision based on the facts of the case. Elmore also called for a review of the qualifications of parole board officials, questioning whether they are fit for their roles.
Jonathan Hatami, a district attorney candidate in Los Angeles County, condemned the decision and highlighted the danger posed by individuals who victimize defenseless children. Hatami, who has successfully prosecuted numerous child abuse cases, believes that those who murder children are a danger to the entire community.
The parole of Patrick Goodman has reignited the debate about the severity of punishment for child killers. Critics argue that child murderers should face the strictest penalties, considering the innocence and vulnerability of their victims. Others express concern about the potential danger posed by individuals who have committed such heinous crimes.
Governor Newsom’s office has stated that the case will be reviewed carefully before making a decision. In the meantime, the office encourages crime victims and survivors to utilize the state’s victim services program.
This disturbing case serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring public safety and the need for thorough evaluations in parole decisions for violent offenders. The outcome of this parole request will have significant implications for both the victim’s family and the broader community.
