California Mom Who Murdered 3 Daughters Could Be Released

Megan Hogg, convicted of killing her three young girls in 1998, was found suitable for parole by a state review board.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Megan Hogg, a 53-year-old California woman convicted of murdering her three young daughters in 1998, has been found suitable for parole by a state prison review board. Hogg was 25 years old when she duct-taped the mouths and feet of her 7-year-old, 3-year-old, and 2-year-old daughters and smothered them to death. She then attempted to take her own life. Hogg was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, but the parole board has now determined she should be released, despite opposition from some of the girls' family members.

Why it matters

This case has sparked renewed debate over parole and sentencing for violent crimes, with the girls' relatives arguing Hogg should remain behind bars, while her immediate family wants her released. It also raises questions about mental health, postpartum depression, and the justice system's approach to such complex cases.

The details

In 1998, Megan Hogg duct-taped the mouths and feet of her three young daughters - Antoinette (7), Angelique (3), and Alexandra (2) - and smothered them to death. She then attempted suicide by drinking hot chocolate laced with 40 different medications. Hogg was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. After serving 25 years, a state parole board has now found Hogg suitable for release, despite opposition from some of the girls' family members.

  • On March 23, 1998, Hogg killed her three daughters.
  • In 1999, Hogg was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
  • In 2018, a state prison review board first said Hogg was suitable for parole, but the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office opposed her release.
  • In 2018, then-California Gov. Jerry Brown reversed the parole board's decision to release Hogg.
  • On February 20, 2026, the prison review board once again determined that Hogg was suitable to be released on parole.

The players

Megan Hogg

A 53-year-old California woman convicted of murdering her three young daughters in 1998 when she was 25 years old.

Antoinette

Hogg's 7-year-old daughter who was murdered.

Angelique

Hogg's 3-year-old daughter who was murdered.

Alexandra

Hogg's 2-year-old daughter who was murdered.

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California who will make the final decision on whether to release Hogg on parole.

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What they’re saying

“She made it clear that she did not want her daughters being taken away by her mother, and for that reason, she decided it was best to kill them.”

— Patrick Hensley, Daly City police chief (The Mercury News)

What’s next

The final decision on whether to release Megan Hogg on parole will be made by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding parole and sentencing for violent crimes, especially those involving mental health factors. It will likely continue to spark debate over the justice system's approach to such tragic and complicated cases.