HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An 81-year-old theft sufferer would not perceive why the suspect in her case was paroled so rapidly after a homicide conviction. The suspect’s mom is lastly offering solutions.
Eyewitness Information has been reporting on Benny Simmons since final week.
He shot a person to demise on the age of 14 however was launched on parole simply two years after being sentenced.
Three months after his launch, police say he robbed Sandra Glenn within the car parking zone of her Alief condo advanced on April 3.
Glenn says he began tugging on the lanyard round her neck that holds her keys, knocking her to the bottom and sending her to the hospital.
“He may have killed me,” Glenn mentioned.
After taking her keys, Glenn mentioned Simmons drove off in her automobile earlier than crashing into seven automobiles within the car parking zone.
It wasn’t till after his arrest two weeks later that she realized about his historical past.
In 2021, he robbed and murdered 21-year-old Shaka Haywood at his southwest Houston condo. In keeping with a search warrant, he informed police he was already on probation for a collection of robberies.
“Shot my son eight instances with no regret,” Haywood’s mom, Deidra Stewart, informed Eyewitness Information final week.
Simmons was charged with capital homicide and aggravated theft. In September 2022, he was sentenced to twenty years within the Texas Juvenile Justice Division.
“I believe they should discover out why he obtained out. I do not – that simply is not sensible,” Glenn mentioned.
In Texas, juvenile prison data are sealed. However after Eyewitness Information’ preliminary reviews, Simmons’ mom stepped ahead to supply context.
She informed Eyewitness Information that Simmons accepted a plea deal. It required him to plead responsible to homicide as an alternative of capital homicide. In alternate, she says he was assured a parole listening to earlier than his 18th birthday.
“Both the Texas Juvenile Justice board can allow them to out or the choose can allow them to out,” lawyer Joe Vinas, who is not affiliated with the case, mentioned.
In Simmons’ case, his mom says it was the Juvenile Justice Division board that made the choice to launch him in December 2024.
The board consists of 9 members appointed by the governor who aren’t accountable to voters.
Texas’ juvenile confidentiality legal guidelines make sure the board members by no means have to clarify their selections.
“One attainable hypothetical is that there is a lot great things about him in that juvenile probation report,” Vinas mentioned.
Simmons’ mom says her son obtained his GED and development certifications whereas in jail. She mentioned he additionally takes treatment for ADHD and bipolar dysfunction.
Relating to the newest theft her son’s been charged with, she says she’s unsure what to consider however says Simmons is a “menace” if he did it.
“I hope he has to serve the time that he is presupposed to serve,” Glenn mentioned.
If Simmons is convicted of the theft, his parole could be revoked, and he must serve the rest of his 20-year homicide sentence.
Within the theft case, he may doubtlessly face life in jail due to the age of the sufferer.
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