The North Carolina Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission has set a new parole release date for Curtis L. Roy, who has been confined for more than 30 years. Roy was convicted of second-degree murder in 1990 and sentenced to life in prison by the Granville County Superior Court.
Roy’s upcoming release, on February 5, 2024, was part of the Mutual Agreement Parole Program (MAPP), a collaborative endeavor involving the Commission, the Division of Prisons, and the offender.
Granted, the MAPP agreement has just been updated, as indicated by a public notification issued by the Commission; this alteration finally paves the way for Roy’s return to society. The program focuses on educational and vocational training to help offenders transition after incarceration.
This case also highlights the disparities between North Carolina’s previous and present sentencing rules. While Structured Sentencing, which went into effect on October 1, 1994, eliminated parole for crimes committed after that date, those who met previous rules, such as Roy, are still eligible.
Now, the Commission must negotiate the parole process for individuals condemned in a different era, following processes that no longer apply to subsequent convictions.
The story of Curtis Roy’s life sentence and its impending expiration after thirty-four years exemplifies evolving criminal ideologies and the long-term consequences of legislative change.
Those with questions regarding this case or the parole procedure should contact the Parole Commission directly at (919) 716-3010, the Commission stated in its announcement.