Full Breakdown
Governor Gavin Newsom Declines to Block Parole of 1974 Convicted Murderer Alberto Tamez Jr.
5/11/2026, 12:40:35 AM
Parole Decision Sparks Outcry in San Luis Obispo County
Alberto Tamez Jr., 75, was granted parole by the California Board of Parole Hearings on Dec. 30 after serving over five decades for the 1974 kidnapping, rape and murder of Genevieve Adaline Moreno. Governor Gavin Newsom declined to intervene, drawing criticism from the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney.
Legal Background and Recent Parole Reforms
California’s Elderly Parole Program, backed by Newsom, allows inmates 50 + who have served 20 years to seek parole. It has already enabled releases such as child-molester Gregory Lee Vogelsang, reflecting a shift toward early-release policies.
Key Actors: Governor Gavin Newsom, District Attorney Dan Dow, and Inmate Alberto Tamez Jr.
Governor Gavin Newsom, who can veto parole decisions, has not commented. District Attorney Dan Dow, head of the California District Attorneys Association, has repeatedly opposed Tamez’s release. Inmate Alberto Tamez Jr., convicted of murder, kidnapping, rape and robbery, is housed at the California Men’s Colony.
Chronology of the Case
June 17-18, 1974 – Moreno is attacked outside a Nipomo bar; her body is found in a eucalyptus grove.
Sept 1974 – Tamez pleads no contest, receives life with parole eligibility.
Dec 30, 2025 – Parole board grants parole.
May 8, 2026 – Tamez remains incarcerated pending release procedures.
Statistical Framework: Elderly Parole Program Eligibility
The program applies to inmates 50 + who have served 20 + years, a threshold Tamez meets.
Implications for Victims and Public Safety
Dow argues the release undermines victim-centered justice, noting the crime “should be the death penalty or life without parole.” Critics say the reforms prioritize prison reduction over community safety.
Official Statements from the District Attorney’s Office
Dow described the system as allowing a “horrific, senseless act of violence” to result in release, urged voters to recognize vulnerabilities from “empty-prison” policies, and announced a shift to the term “criminal and victim justice system” to emphasize victim impact.
Criticism from Prosecutors and Political Opponents
Republican candidate Steve Hilton accused Newsom of lacking the power to intervene and labeled the parole decision outrageous and disgusting.
Gaps in Official Commentary
Newsom’s office declined comment, leaving no official explanation for the non-intervention.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think the right thing would be to stop letting violent criminals out of our prisons just to satisfy his policy desire to empty prisons,” — Dan Dow, San Luis Obispo County District Attorney
- “When you rape, strangle, brutalize and murder a woman — in my perspective and point of view — that should be the death penalty or life without parole,” — Dan Dow, San Luis Obispo County District Attorney
- “She deserved the full protection of justice, and it is my solemn obligation as District Attorney to ensure that her story is not forgotten and that her life is honored.” — Dan Dow, San Luis Obispo County District Attorney
- “I’m sick of hearing from Gavin Newsom that he has no power to intervene in these outrageous and disgusting decisions,” — Steve Hilton, GOP gubernatorial candidate
Upcoming Procedures
As of May 2026, Tamez remains incarcerated while final release processing proceeds, pending any legal challenges.
