Virginia Officials Grant Parole To Dozens Of Rapists, Murderers, And Repeat Violent Offenders

By Rebeka Zeljko

The Virginia Parole Board approved the release of dozens of violent offenders, rapists, and murderers in the last two months, according to government documents.

The board voted to release many violent criminals and convicted felons, including several inmates serving life sentences. All five board members were appointed by Democratic Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger after she began her term in January.

Six criminals serving life sentences were paroled by the board.

Reginald James Holland was convicted of rape, forcible sodomy, robbery, two counts of kidnapping, and possession of a sawed-off shotgun in 1990. He was sentenced to life for five of the six charges. He served a total of 35 years, 10 months, and 20 days. (RELATED: ‘I Have His Ashes’ Virginia Woman Claims Dem Governor Restored Voting Rights To Dead Felon)

Board members Valerie Boykin, Tyrone Nelson, and Kevin White voted to release Holland, claiming his “release is compatible with public safety” and that he showed “clear acceptance of responsibility for the offenses.”

Board members Kecia Brothers Hayes and Shannon Grant Dion voted against his release.

Another criminal set for release, Reginald Shell, was facing a life sentence after being convicted on two counts of first-degree murder.

Even so, the board voted unanimously to release Shell, citing his “active participation in faith or community programs” and his “sustained emotional and behavioral stability.” He served a total of 37 years, four months, and 19 days.

Spanberger’s office did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller.

David Brown Jr. was convicted on charges of sodomy, burglary, assault, riot-inciting, as well as rape, for which he was facing a life sentence.

The board voted unanimously to release him, saying he “demonstrated rehabilitation” and his “vocational achievements.” He served a total of 44 years, 11 months, and nine days.

Victor Fields was unanimously granted parole despite being convicted of use of a firearm in a felony, possession of a weapon capable of death or injury, and first-degree murder. Fields was facing life in prison for the murder charge but only served 21 years, 11 months, and 14 days.

The board attributed his early release to a low “risk assessment score” and his “successful participation with victim’s family in victim-offender dialogue program.” (RELATED: Abigail Spanberger Preaches ‘Affordability’ In Trump State Of Union Response, Despite Presiding Over High Tax Regime)

Shawn Selwyn Herring was sentenced to life for penetration with an inanimate object and was additionally convicted of three charges of burglary, one charge of robbery, and one charge of attempted burglary.

The board voted unanimously to release him after he served 22 years and 22 days, citing his “improved coping and decision-making skills” and “excellent institutional adjustment.”

The last criminal who was paroled after being sentenced to life was Calvin Darnell Johnson, who was convicted of larceny, drug possession, and first-degree murder.

The board voted unanimously to release him after he served 33 years, 6 months, and 19 days in prison, citing his “ongoing commitment to personal growth and lawful conduct.”

Far more inmates serving life sentences are expected to be released in the future, due to a law passed in 2026 by Virginia’s legislature that has not yet gone into effect. That law changes the criteria to be considered in whether to release an inmate. So even inmates currently being denied parole by the parole board may well be released in the future, despite the horrendous nature of the crimes they committed, and factors that would historically have led to them being denied parole.