Kenneth Bogard, the serial rapist who inflicted terror across Pacific Beach in the early 1990s, could walk free soon—far earlier than his 96-year sentence originally dictated. Bogard, now 66, is scheduled for an early parole hearing today after serving just 30 years behind bars. The San Diego County District Attorney's Office, headed by DA Summer Stephan, confirmed the unsettling news, citing elderly parole provisions as the reason for Bogard's unexpected shot at freedom.

According to the DA's office, Bogard was found guilty on 37 felony counts in 1995, including rape, burglary, assault, and more. Yet, thanks to laws favoring the early release of inmates over 50 years old who have served at least two decades, he may soon rejoin society. Stephan did not mince her words when addressing this possibility, "The Elder Parole law that allows for early release of murderers and rapists is cruel to crime victims and is rigged to only benefit violent criminals," she said in a statement obtained by the San Diego County DA's Office. "This newer law forces victims and their families to revisit the trauma they have already suffered and causes additional despair."

The parole hearing, due to be conducted via Microsoft Teams, will take place at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, Calif. The outcome holds immense weight for the victims who endured unspeakable acts at Bogard's hands from August 1992 to October 1993, where he strategically stalked, attacked, and sexually assaulted seven women in their residences. Statements from the DA's office recount how Bogard would prep his assaults with chilling precision, from the disguise of a ski mask to the parting, a menacing reminder to his victims to lock their doors.

If parole is denied, the predator could be locked away for at least three more years before another hearing is scheduled. However, if granted, the decision won't spell immediate release; it still falls under the governor's purview for further consideration.