Parole Denied For Murderer Who Killed Victim With Skateboard

Parole Denied For Murderer Who Killed Victim With Skateboard

Posted on July 19, 2012 | Written By: iadminlaw

In the last several years, skateboarding has been widely accepted into mainstream America. What started out as a recreational activity for rebellious youth, skateboarding is now considered an alternative form of transportation. For some, however, a skateboard can be a deadly weapon.

A man who fatally beat a shopkeeper with a skateboard over change for a phone call has been denied parole and won’t have another shot at being released from state prison until 2017.

English: Picture of Skateboard origanly posted at http://www.beginnersskateboard.com (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Harry Lloyd Howard, 48, is currently being held at California Men’s Colony, San Luis Obispo, after being sentenced July 5, 1990, to 25 years to life after a jury found him guilty of one felony count of special circumstances murder in the commission of a robbery and burglary.

The Board of Parole Hearings for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations, denied Howard’s parole Wednesday based on his decision to continue to blame the victim and not accept full responsibility for his actions and failing to participate in any substance-abuse or self-help programs, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Stephan Sauer appeared at the hearing to oppose parole, arguing that Howard remains at a high risk of committing more violence and does not deserve to be released. The District Attorney’s Office provided the following account of the killing:

On Oct. 22, 1989, then-25-year-old Howard entered Junior’s Market in Anaheim, owned by Chang. Howard went inside to get change to place a telephone call. Chang, 40, refused to provide the change and asked Howard to leave the store.

Howard began arguing with the victim inside the market and shoved Chang to the doorway. Howard then bludgeoned Chang in the head four times with the skateboard he had been carrying. Chang tried to fight back, but eventually fell to the ground.

Howard then grabbed Chang by the feet and dragged him behind a vehicle located outside the store. When Chang attempted to sit up, Howard struck him two more times in the head with the skateboard.

Chang died the next day from massive head injuries.

The murder was carried out in a manner that exhibited cruel and callous disregard for the life of the victim, the District Attorney’s Office said in the news release. During an interview in 2009, Howard claimed he was upset because the victim would not make change for him, showing that the motive for the murder was trivial.

When Howard killed Chang, he was on two grants of probation for grand theft and petty theft.

While in custody, Howard has had 13 disciplinary write-ups, according to prosecutors, including inciting others, attempting to own or operate a business, over-familiarity with staff and possession of non-controlled medication, according to prosecutors.

“The inmate has failed to provide a sound relapse prevention plan,” the news release said. “Howard’s lack of remorse and his ongoing criminality proves that he is a high risk for violence in the free community and should not be released.”

If a loved one was the victim of wrongful death that was caused by negligence, it is important that you contact a committed and dedicated personal injury lawyer to help you determine if you should file a lawsuit. A competent and reputable injury lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.