The North Carolina Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission has confirmed a new parole release date for Curtis L. Roy, who has been incarcerated for more than three decades. Convicted for a second-degree murder in 1990, Roy was handed a life sentence by the Granville County Superior Court.
Roy's impending release, scheduled for February 5, 2024, was part of the Mutual Agreement Parole Program (MAPP), a collaborative effort that involves the Commission, the Division of Prisons, and the offender. Granted, the MAPP agreement has recently been modified, as pointed out by a media notification released by the Commission; this change ultimately sets the stage for Roy's return to society. The program emphasizes educational and vocational preparation designed to aid inmates in their transition post-incarceration.
This case also underscores the contrast between North Carolina's former and current sentencing laws. While Structured Sentencing, effective from October 1, 1994, has abolished parole for crimes committed thereafter, those who fell under previous guidelines, like Roy, remain eligible. Now, the Commission is required to navigate the parole process for individuals sentenced in a different era, adhering to a set of procedures that no longer apply to later convictions.
The narrative of Curtis Roy's life sentence and its looming closure after thirty-four years offers a concrete example of evolving penal philosophies and the enduring impact of legislative change over time. Those with inquiries about this case or the parole process are encouraged to contact the Parole Commission directly at (919) 716–3010, the Commission said in its announcement.
