Abused woman beaten again by state of California

Rose Parker was celebrating five years of release from prison and was discharged off parole on Dec. 7, 2005, all the while patiently awaiting her executive pardon from the Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Then, on Dec. 9, two days later and after her discharge, the state of California struck Rose again, saying they had made a mistake in discharging her and that she has to stay on parole for LIFE.

On March 27, 1986, Rose's former boyfriend stalked her and held her and her children hostage in her home four days. On the fourth day, when her brother came to rescue her, pregnant Rose grabbed the gun and shot. When the smoke cleared, her brother was wounded and her former boyfriend was dead.

Rose was convicted of first degree murder. The appellate court modified the decision to second degree. Throughout her ordeal, Rose has fought hard for justice.

On Sept. 25, 2000, former Gov. Gray Davis released this statement about Rose Parker: "On rare occasions, we must give weight not only to extraordinary and compelling circumstance, but to legal defenses adopted in law since the original verdict. There is no question that Rose Ann Parker believed she was in imminent danger of losing her life, as well as that of her 2-year-old son and her unborn child."

He also stated that Rose's case had all the characteristics of battered women syndrome, a now legally recognized defense that was not available at the time of her trial. However, Davis failed to pardon Rose before he left office.

Join Rose as she fights back. Rosa Parks sat down for a great cause and Rose Parker is standing up for one.

Keeping her in prison 15 years, failing to immediately sign her pardon, putting her on an electronic monitor for two years, giving her a five-year parole, then, on Dec. 9, instead of deleting her off the system after they officially discharged her, changing her status to LIFE on parole, California owes Rose. Although she has her discharge card, officials say now it doesn't mean anything.

In the five years since her release from prison, Dr. Rose Parker has completed her doctorate in Christian counseling and education and founded Saving Our Women International, a domestic violence outreach non-profit. She speaks all over the United States about the cycles of violence and recognizing the characteristics of an abuser and abusive relationships.

Dr. Parker will be holding a press conference in mid-January at the Church of All Nations, 1700 West Highland in San Bernardino. She will be joined by some national Black leaders and all her major supporters.

Contact Melody Hampton at (909) 856-3010, (909) 873-5000 or savingourwomen [at] aol.com.

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