California governor reverses parole board decision to release convicted cop killer
Hau Chan was convicted of second-degree murder for his role in the 1984 heist. (Photo: California DOC)
California Gov. Jerry Brown stepped in and reversed a parole board decision to release a man convicted of murder for his role in a 1984 jewelry store heist that left a Los Angeles police officer dead.
Earlier this year, the board said Hau Chan, 61, could be released from prison after serving 32 years because he showed remorse and participated in a number of prison programs. But according to the Associated Press, Brown handed down a decision last week that will keep Chan behind bars.
Authorities said Chan was the mastermind behind the botched robbery on Dec. 19, 1984. Two of his accomplices walked into the Jin Hing Jewelry store and asked to see some coins. Upon entering a safe, they pulled out guns and let in a third suspect. The owner triggered a silent alarm, and two officers arrived.
When they got there, one of the suspects pretended to be a store employee. He shot one of the officers, Archie Nagao, in the neck. He survived. Officers returned fire, killing two of the suspects. Officer Duane Johnson was also killed during the gunfight.
Chan argued at trial that he had nothing to do with the gun battle, and was outside in the getaway car during the melee. He was ultimately convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
In a letter to the parole board opposing his release, police union President Craig Lally said Chan “should not receive the benefit of an early release, and be able to go home to his family, when Officer Johnson wasn’t even able to see the birth of his own daughter.”
In his decision, Brown conceded that Chan had worked to improve himself in prison. But, Brown said, he “continues to downplay the extent to which he led the planning of this armed robbery and has not confronted his actions.”
Brown called Chan dangerous and said he still poses an “unreasonable danger” to society.
Read More On:
Latest Reviews
-
The Baby Glock Centimeter: A Review of the New G29 Gen 5 10mm Carry Pistol
Whether straying into the backcountry or just a fan of the 10mm Auto, Glock has long had one of the smallest carry guns offered in that caliber and we have been kicking around its latest variant for a couple of months.
Read More -
AMT Backup .380 Review: Fun With a Retro Pocket Pistol
I’m rather fascinated with pocket guns, so when I came across this AMT Backup 380 in Guns.com's Certified Used stockpile, I had to give it a try. It's an interesting and affordable retro pistol.
Read More -
Winchester Model 100 in .243 Win Stands the Test of Time
Every now and then I happen upon a neat little rifle I’ve never heard of, like this Winchester Model 100. Let's see if this mid-century deer hunter chambered in .243 Winchester still has what it takes.
Read More -
Palm Full of Parabellum: A Review of the 9mm Bond Arms Stubby
Texas-based Bond Arms, the country's go-to maker of double-barreled derringer-style handguns in usable calibers, recently introduced an ultra-compact new 9mm-- the aptly named Stubby.
Read More
