The parole hearing for Charles "Andy" Williams, responsible for the 2001 Santana High School shooting that resulted in two fatalities and 13 injuries, was denied earlier today. As reported by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, Williams, who was 15 at the time of the crime, had his hearing conducted via video conference, during which 22 victims were present to provide their impact statements. San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a statement, "I’m grateful to the Parole Board for listening to the victims in this case whose lives were forever changed by the defendant’s premeditated and cruel acts that terrorized an innocent school campus."

Williams' parole denial comes after about 23 years since the shooting. It falls under the Youthful Parole law that offers juvenile offenders tried as adults a chance for parole no later than 25 years into their sentence. He was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison; his eligibility was brought about due to this law. They were left with ongoing suffering, the victims and their families, as they testified about the enduring trauma during the hearing.

According to Hoodline, it revealed that Williams himself has admitted to not believing he deserves another chance at freedom. His remorse and rehabilitation efforts were emphasized by his attorney, Laura Sheppard, "He is genuinely remorseful," mentioning his work as a licensed drug and alcohol counselor and his cooperation with law enforcement to understand school shooters better.