Houston Crime Victims Advocate Set to Argue Against Parole for Teenage Rapist Involved in 1993 Murders of Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Peña
A Houston-based crime victims advocate is set to make a passionate plea before the Texas parole board on Tuesday, urging them to deny parole to Venancio Medellin, who was involved in the brutal rape and murders of two teenage girls, Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Peña, in 1993. The case is one of the city's most notorious crimes, with Medellin being just 14 years old at the time.
Medellin, now 46, has served 32 years of a 40-year prison sentence for his role in the crime, which also included sexual assault charges. He received leniency due to his testimony against other gang members involved in the attacks. Three perpetrators have since been executed, while two others are serving life sentences.
Andy Kahan, Director of Victim Services and Advocacy for Crime Stoppers of Houston, will be meeting with a member of the parole board to present the families' case against Medellin's release. This is not Kahan's first time before the parole board; he has made previous appearances on behalf of Jennifer Ertman's family.
Kahan plans to use this opportunity to bring the victims back to life, sharing newspaper clippings and photos with the parole board members to ensure they understand the severity of Medellin's crimes. He believes that allowing him to be released would send a wrong message about accountability and justice.
"When you are part of a group that is sexually assaulting and torturing, you need to remain in prison," Kahan emphasized.
The decision on Medellin's parole is expected within weeks, with the possibility of another 5-year set-off if parole is denied. His projected release date would be in 2033.
Separately, two other perpetrators, Efraim Perez and Raul Villareal, who are serving life sentences, will become eligible for parole in 2029.
The case highlights the ongoing struggle of families to see justice served and victims' voices heard. The crime victims advocate's efforts demonstrate the importance of continuing advocacy and support for those affected by violent crimes.
A Houston-based crime victims advocate is set to make a passionate plea before the Texas parole board on Tuesday, urging them to deny parole to Venancio Medellin, who was involved in the brutal rape and murders of two teenage girls, Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Peña, in 1993. The case is one of the city's most notorious crimes, with Medellin being just 14 years old at the time.
Medellin, now 46, has served 32 years of a 40-year prison sentence for his role in the crime, which also included sexual assault charges. He received leniency due to his testimony against other gang members involved in the attacks. Three perpetrators have since been executed, while two others are serving life sentences.
Andy Kahan, Director of Victim Services and Advocacy for Crime Stoppers of Houston, will be meeting with a member of the parole board to present the families' case against Medellin's release. This is not Kahan's first time before the parole board; he has made previous appearances on behalf of Jennifer Ertman's family.
Kahan plans to use this opportunity to bring the victims back to life, sharing newspaper clippings and photos with the parole board members to ensure they understand the severity of Medellin's crimes. He believes that allowing him to be released would send a wrong message about accountability and justice.
"When you are part of a group that is sexually assaulting and torturing, you need to remain in prison," Kahan emphasized.
The decision on Medellin's parole is expected within weeks, with the possibility of another 5-year set-off if parole is denied. His projected release date would be in 2033.
Separately, two other perpetrators, Efraim Perez and Raul Villareal, who are serving life sentences, will become eligible for parole in 2029.
The case highlights the ongoing struggle of families to see justice served and victims' voices heard. The crime victims advocate's efforts demonstrate the importance of continuing advocacy and support for those affected by violent crimes.
I cant believe this 
guy, Venancio Medellin, is even up for parole after committing such heinous crimes 
32 years in prison isn't enough considering what he did to those two young girls 
The families of the victims deserve closure and justice, not a 5-year window to deal with the aftermath of his release 
I'm so glad Andy Kahan is fighting for them and bringing awareness to this case 
It's heartbreaking that we still have to see these types of cases play out in our society 
I'm kinda glad that someone like Andy Kahan is fighting for justice in this super tragic case 
. I hope the parole board takes all the evidence and photos into consideration and makes the right decision 
. Let's keep supporting people like Andy Kahan who are making a difference in their communities 
.
... excuse me, not so fast! The fact that Medellin got leniency for testifying against other gang members is just another way of saying "we'll show mercy to the bad guys as long as they cooperate". It's all about accountability and justice, right? 
When you're part of a group that does heinous crimes, you need to stay in prison. Simple as that! 
. The victims' families deserve closure and justice, not some watered-down apology from a parole board 
.
Like, seriously, who needs that? 