September 22, 1990, Ronald Brochstein was a first year law student at the University of Tulsa College of Law. I was a second year student and, as far as I can remember, never had the pleasure of meeting the young man known to his family and friends as Ron or Ronnie.

In the spring of 1990, Ron received his undergraduate degree in political science from Fort Lewis University in Durango, Colorado. A close friend from Fort Lewis described Ron as a, "quiet, shy, soft-spoken guy who always saw the good in people." Academically, he was "an extremely dedicated student" who's majority of time was spent "with his nose in the books." "Ron was as straight as an arrow. He never drank or did drugs. He was the type of guy who'd go to a bar on a Friday night and order a Coke." A study mate at TU described him as, "a friendly guy and an extremely dedicated student." A longtime friend from Ron's hometown of Houston, Texas, said that Ron "never got mad at anybody" and was known to be "happy in every way."

I can't imagine another type of person that we need more of in this world than that of Ronald Brochstein. He was the type who wouldn't hesitate to help two perfect strangers at a convenience store who needed assistance jump-starting their car parked just down the road. And that's exactly what Ron did that Saturday in September 1990. Ron, who always saw the best in people, couldn't have imagined that those two individuals would rob, abduct and put a gun to his head blowing his brains across a field in Sapulpa.

A more senseless crime committed by more disgusting pieces of human debris I cannot imagine. How people cannot believe in the death penalty, I equally cannot fathom. The non-shooting perpetrator was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Facing the death penalty, the shooter plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence.

That was 15 years ago. Just last week I received a letter from the parents and sister of Ron sent to everyone who was a student at TU Law School at the same time as Ron informing them, unbelievably, that the two pieces of shit who've been enjoying a life a leisure watching cable TV, working out, eating three square meals a day, taking time to read the great classics, corresponding with family and friends, are up for parole. P-A-R-O-L-E...as in, hope you enjoyed your brief stay, have a nice time among the normal people...until you kill again. Un-freaking-believable!

The letter from Ron's parents and sister requested, if I was opposed to the granting of parole, that letters be written to the Pardon & Parole Board informing them of my objection. The decision to write was easy. But what to write took some consideration. At first, I contemplated a longer letter explaining who I was and the reasons for my objection. In the end, I decided the parole board was likely not interested in me or my reasons and I wrote the following short note on firm letterhead addressed to the Oklahoma Pardon & Parole Board:

To Whom It May Concern:

I most strenuously object to the parole of [inmate]. The incredibly heinous nature of his crimes against a completely innocent victim should preclude consideration of any early release/parole.

I urge you to deny parole to [inmate].

Very truly yours,

My letter sent in regard to the shooter contained an additional paragraph stating that the plea bargain entered into, with the Brochstein family's approval, was not a plea bargain in exchange for a fifteen year sentence and that it would be just as unfair to now go back on that agreement and place the individual on death row as it would be to let him go free.

Surprisingly, or just sadly, there is not much information on the internet about writing to parole boards. It seems as fundamental a part of being a citizen as voting, yet this is the first time in 39 years I've done it and I don't personally know anyone else who's ever done it. I wish I'd never have to do it again, but I have the feeling this may be a recurring endeavor.