STATE OF ILLINOIS
BRUCE RAUNER, GOVERNOR
PRISONER REVIEW BOARD
EN BANC MINUTE SHEET- OPEN SESSION
MEETING OF MAY 28, 2015
Inmate Name: Donald Grant IDOC Number & Institution: L02079
The Illinois Prisoner Review Board met in open En Banc session at 319 E. Madison Street, Springfield, IL, on May 28, at the 8:00 a.m. session to discuss and deliberate parole eligibility for Inmate Donald Grant, IDOC #C02079 .
Members present were: Chairman C. Findley, E. Bowers, E. Crigler, S. Diaz, G. Duncan, D. Dunn, P. Fisher, E. Gregg, V. Harris, T. Johnson, D. Jones, A. Monreal, W. Norton, D. Shelton Other(s) present: Gabriela Chavez Barrientos, Recording Secretary
Summary of discussion for parole consideration: Member Monreal presented a summary of the parole interview and a review of all file materials.
Mr. Monreal interviewed Inmate Donald Grant on April 2015, after being continued at the Inmate’s request from his original hearing on October 2015.
Inmate Grant is under IDOC custody for the crime of murder. In May 1976, the inmate and a co-defendant went to a store, where they had an altercation with a security officer. The following day, the inmate went back and killed the security officer by shooting him with a firearm. His projected release date is 2064.
Inmate Grant admits all responsibility. During the interview, Mr. Monreal said, he showed he was sorry for his actions. Mr. Monreal noted that his instant explanation for the crime was that he had been drinking a lot. Mr. Grant is a Vietnam Veteran.
His institutional adjustment is remarkable. Correctional officers describe him as a responsible and hardworking individual. He has also taken college courses and participates in a lot of programming. He has only had two minor tickets. He has good relations with staff.
Mr. Grant’s plans are to transition into society through St. Leonard’s House.
Although Mr. Monreal notes Mr. Grant’s excellent institutional adjustment and remorse for the crime, he believes this was a senseless and unnecessary act of violence. To parole him at this time would promote disrespect for the law.
Motion to deny parole (Monreal-Shelton). Motion carries 14-0.
“The Board makes a specific finding that the release of victim protest letters could subject a person to actual risk of physical harm.”