California Law Allows Early Release for Violent Offenders at Age 50

Victims of rapists and murderers are speaking out against the controversial 'elder parole' policy change.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A change in California law now allows violent offenders, including rapists and murderers, to seek early release from prison at just 50 years old under the state's 'elder parole' policy. Victims of these crimes are pleading with officials to keep the criminals behind bars, saying the policy puts lives at risk and goes against the original sentences handed down by judges and juries.

Why it matters

The expansion of the 'elder parole' law has sparked outrage from victims' families, who feel betrayed by a system that is now allowing their attackers to be released decades earlier than expected. This policy shift raises concerns about public safety and the ability of the criminal justice system to uphold the sentences it imposes.

The details

Under the previous 'elder parole' rules, inmates had to serve at least 25 years of their sentence and reach age 60 before being eligible for early release. But in 2021, the law was changed to allow inmates to apply for parole after serving just 20 years once they turn 50. This policy does not apply to inmates sentenced to death or life without parole. Victims like Jennifer Carvalho and Karen Huestis are now fighting to keep their attackers, Thomas Martinez and George Bouras, behind bars under the new law.

  • In 2021, the 'elder parole' law in California was expanded to allow inmates to apply for parole after serving 20 years and reaching age 50.
  • In January 2026, Thomas Martinez, a convicted rapist, was scheduled for release under the new 'elder parole' law before the state postponed his release to reconsider his parole eligibility.

The players

Jennifer Carvalho

A victim of rape who is pleading with California Governor Gavin Newsom to keep her attacker, Thomas Martinez, in prison.

Thomas Martinez

A convicted rapist who was sentenced to 56 years to life in prison but is now eligible for early release under California's 'elder parole' law.

Karen Huestis

The daughter of Nancy Nelson, who was murdered by George Bouras in 1981. Huestis is fighting to keep Bouras in prison under the new 'elder parole' law.

George Bouras

The man convicted of murdering Nancy Nelson in 1981 and who is now eligible for early release under California's 'elder parole' law.

Thien Ho

The Sacramento District Attorney who has branded the 'elder parole' policy a 'ticking time bomb' that endangers public safety.

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What they’re saying

“Please, I beg you to review this case. He is a repeat violent offender and a rapist. Lives are at stake.”

— Jennifer Carvalho (KCRA)

“What can I possibly say today to make complete strangers understand the magnitude of our loss?”

— Karen Huestis (KCRA)

“It is an absolute failure of our criminal justice system because it endangers people. We made a promise to the victims. The judge made a promise. Society made a promise. The jurors did their job. And now, years later, this law just rips everything open.”

— Thien Ho, Sacramento District Attorney (KCRA)

What’s next

The state of California is currently reconsidering Thomas Martinez's parole eligibility under the 'elder parole' law after Jennifer Carvalho pleaded with the governor to intervene.

The takeaway

This case highlights the deep concerns and trauma experienced by victims of violent crimes, who feel betrayed by a criminal justice system that is now allowing their attackers to be released decades earlier than expected. It raises questions about the balance between rehabilitation, public safety, and upholding the original sentences handed down by the courts.