Finding Bethany

Chase Parole Hearing Update

Today I was present at Spring Creek Correctional Facility for the Discretionary Parole hearing for Dawn's killer, Allan Chase. Mr. Chase was present. The hearing did not take very long. The most interesting part of the hearing was right after Mr. Chase was sworn in under oath. Chase began by committing perjury when he swore he never said, “Fine, if you let me out I'd probably do it again.” He further exasperated the situation by saying he has never thought or even felt that way.

When it was my turn to speak I informed the Parole Board that Mr. Chase did say indeed say those words as I was present when he said them. As I thought about it, my concern isn’t simply the fact that Mr. Chase had just committed perjury, but this was a window into his mind, and his unwillingness to accept his own words and actions. If someone cannot take responsibility for a half a dozen words said in anger 10 years ago, how could he ever begin to take responsibility for his actions?

I continued to speak by telling the Parole Board my family had gone to the last parole hearing with a gift. Our gift was one of hoping to support Mr. Chase’s release someday. It was a gift of forgiveness. This gift however was not unconditional. It came with proof Mr. Chase had done something with his time in prison. It required he do things to better himself. Unfortunately for Mr. Chase had done nothing of any substance to better himself during his incarceration. Today I told the Parole board that the Klinkhart family had once again prepared this same gift for him. Unfortunately, based upon his last 10 years and his words today, this gift will continue to remain unwrapped. Perhaps in 5, 10, or 20 years from now this gift will see the light of day. But not today.

Once I was done speaking the hearing was over and I was escorted out of the room.

I am awaiting the decision of the board.