A man who has been in prison for four decades after kidnapping a school bus full of children and burying them alive in 1976 has been granted parole. According to NBC News, Frederick Woods, 70, was granted parole on Friday at California Men’s Colony, a state prison, despite being denied 17 times before. Two survivors backed him up.
“I believe you have served enough time for the crime you committed,” said survivor Larry Park. He supported Woods’ release along with Rebecca Reynolds Dailey. But Park added “I’m concerned about the addiction you may have about money,” urging Woods to consider getting treatment. (https://aardvarkisrael.com/)
Largest mass kidnapping in US history
On July 15, 1976, near Chowchilla, Woods and his accomplices, brothers Richard and James Schoenfeld, kidnapped 26 children and their bus driver. The group reportedly drove the 27 hostages 100 miles to Livermore. There they were loaded onto a moving truck and buried alive. The kidnappers, who planned the crime demanded $5 million in ransom from the state Board of Education. After 16 hours, the kids, aged 5 to 14, and the bus driver were able to dig their way out. It was the largest mass kidnapping in US history.
Moreover, Woods read an apology for his wrongdoing at his parole hearing on Friday. “I’ve had empathy for the victims which I didn’t have then,” he said. “I’ve had a character change since then. I was 24 years old,” he added. “Now I fully understand the terror and trauma I caused. I fully take responsibility for this heinous act.”
Because Woods engaged in the act when he was young, he is, therefore, liable to a California rule that compels parole commissioners to give greater consideration to offenders who were convicted as children but are now elderly and have completed extended prison sentences. According to CNN, the parole hearing approval will become final after 120 days. However, after this, it will be given to Governor Gavin Newsom. He will have 30 days to review the decision. Because it is not a murder conviction, Newsom is unable to overturn it and must instead refer the case to the Board of Parole Hearings for consideration.