Letters of support for the release of Theresa Cruz from prison are being requested by the California Coalition for Women Prisoners and Women and Criminal Justice.
The Board of Prison Terms has found Cruz to be suitable for parole, following 15 years in prison for conspiracy to commit the murder of her son's father resulting in a non-fatal shooting. Now it's up to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to approve the Board's decision to grant her parole --- something he doesn't do often.
Cruz's victim has written a letter to the Board saying he now supports her release. He was not permanently injured by the crime. The original trial judge is also in support of her parole.
"This is a woman who made a mistake, but has totally turned her life around," said Diana Block, founding member and volunteer for California Coalition for Women Prisoners.
"She has a record that's impeccable," added St. Joseph of Carondelet Sister Suzanne Jabro, executive director of Women and Criminal Justice. During her time at California Institute for Women (CIW), Cruz, who was formerly addicted to tranquilizers, has facilitated numerous 12-step recovery groups. She works as a secretary to the Catholic chaplain, and she helped start the prison puppies program in which inmates train service dogs for the disabled.
At the time of the crime, Cruz and her son's father were embroiled in a custody dispute. Following years of anger and animosity between them, the victim called Cruz in prison to heal old wounds.
"I told him I was sorry," Cruz quietly told The Tidings by phone from the chaplain's office at CIW on March 20. "I'm here to accept responsibility for what I did.
"I lost the opportunity to raise four children. A mother lost a daughter. The victim's family lost a son. He didn't get to be who he really was, because there was so much anger," continued Cruz.
But over the years, Cruz said she has experienced forgiveness and has seen reconciliation take place between members of her family. "God did a miracle already. He brought peace where there was so much hatred," she said.
San Gabriel Region Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala met Cruz during a visit to CIW. "She is someone who has really worked hard at rehabilitation," said the bishop. "She had modeled restorative justice."
Cruz's mother Theresa Azhocar raised the four kids and was instrumental in ensuring that her daughter maintained regular contact with her children. Azhocar and the children made the two-and-a-half-hour trip from San Diego to CIW in Corona nearly every Saturday. Azhocar passed away last year of cancer.
"What a sacrifice somebody makes to come and visit someone in prison," said Cruz while crying. "My mother sacrificed that for 15 years."
Her children, now young adults, continue to visit. They have spoken at the Religious Education Congress about what it was like to grow up and have their mother incarcerated.
Upon her release, if it is granted, Cruz has a receptionist job waiting for her. And she has a place to live with her uncle, a retired law enforcement officer.
"It's a total waste of taxpayer money for her to be inside at this point," said Block. Letters of support written to the governor would help to demonstrate that Cruz has widespread community support, she added. The governor's decision is expected by the end of March.
People in prison who are rehabilitated "really need to be back with their families and their community. They pose no danger," added Block. "Don't leave them to waste their lives."
Letters can be sent to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, State Capitol Building, Sacramento, CA 95814 or e-mail http://www.govmail.ca.gov. |