UPDATE: A Houston victims advocate is urgently pushing to deny parole for Venancio Medellin, a man involved in the brutal 1993 murders of teenagers Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Peña. Andy Kahan, Director of Victim Services and Advocacy for Crime Stoppers of Houston, will present compelling arguments before the Texas Parole Board on October 10, 2023, as Medellin becomes eligible for parole for the second time after serving 32 years of a 40-year prison sentence.
Medellin was only 14 years old when he participated in the harrowing attack on the two girls, who were murdered after taking a shortcut through T.C. Jester Park in Houston. Now 46, he has the potential to be released despite the lasting trauma inflicted on the victims’ families. Kahan, who is traveling to Palestine, Texas, for this crucial meeting, stated, “It’s just a name on a piece of paper, so I’m going to bring them back to life.” He plans to hold a folder filled with photos and newspaper clippings of the girls to remind the parole board of their humanity.
The families of Jennifer and Elizabeth have long opposed any chance of parole for Medellin and his co-conspirators. Kahan will be joined by Jennifer Ertman’s mother, Sandy Ertman, who will participate via conference call. Kahan has committed to representing the Ertman family at every parole hearing, honoring a promise made to Jennifer’s father, Randy Ertman, before his death in 2014.
In a 2023 interview with ABC13, Medellin expressed remorse for his actions, saying, “I would want to express that I’m sorry for what happened. I wish that I could take it back, but I cannot.” Despite this, Kahan argues that individuals involved in such horrific crimes should remain incarcerated.
The parole board’s decision is expected in the coming weeks. If they deny parole, Kahan will request a five-year set-off, ensuring Medellin’s case will not be reviewed again until 2030. Currently, Medellin’s projected release date is 2033. Meanwhile, two of his accomplices, Efraim Perez and Raul Villareal, who are serving life sentences, will be eligible for parole in 2029.
For those wishing to voice their opinions, details on how to contact the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles are available. This ongoing fight highlights the enduring pain of the families involved and the community’s commitment to justice. Follow updates from this critical story on social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram.
