Parole Board Denies Inmate Relief, Extends Time Between Hearings

On September 25, 2012, the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision released its decision in the murder review hearing of inmate Andrew Metz, finding Metz not capable of rehabilitation within a reasonable period of time.  Additionally, the Board has extended the time period before Metz can reapply to four years from the usual two.  The Oregon Crime Victims Law Center represented the family of Metz's victims, Duncan and Ellen McKinnon, at the hearing on July 11 at the Oregon State Penitentiary. In more than forty previous murder review hearings, on only one other occasion has the Board extended the time period before the inmate can reapply.  

Mr. and Mrs. McKinnon were murdered by Metz in September, 1991, while vacationing with their daughter in Seaside.  As the McKinnons slept in their hotel, Metz entered their room through an open window and viciously stabbed the couple to death.  Their daughter, who was staying across the hall, heard the commotion and came out of her room, encountering Metz as he exited her parents' room.  Metz had blood on his face and ran down the hallway.  The McKinnons' daughter went into the room and found her mother dead, and her father dying.  Mr. McKinnon, who was 72 years old, died as he was being transported to a Portland hospital.  Mrs. McKinnon was 68.  Metz had stolen jewelry and a wallet from the McKinnons.  

The OCVLC submitted a memo to the Board prior to the hearing arguing that Metz had not shown he was capable of rehabilitation and asking the Board to defer Metz's next hearing for a period of ten years.  At the hearing, Rosemary Brewer read the statements of the McKinnons' daughter as well as their grandchildren.  The McKinnons' son Michael presented a statement, as did Clatsop County District Attorney Joshua Marquis, who prosecuted Metz for the murders.  Senator Elizabeth Johnson (D-Scappoose) also attended the hearing.  

Upon hearing the news, Michael McKinnon said, "On behalf of my family, I am beyond grateful for your efforts, the efforts of all that have been involved and for the decision the Parole Board has reached." 

Related news