perm filename GOETZ.NS[1,JMC] blob
sn#870623 filedate 1989-03-04 generic text, type T, neo UTF8
a030 0259 04 Mar 89
PM-Goetz,0279
Goetz May Appeal Parole Denial
By MARC HUMBERT
Associated Press Writer
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The state Board of Parole says Bernhard Goetz
must serve the full one-year prison sentence he got for illegally
carrying the gun he used to shoot four teen-agers on a New York City
subway in 1984.
Releasing Goetz after just two months in jail ''would deprecate the
seriousness of the crime and undermine respect for the law,'' the
board said Friday.
Monday was the earliest Goetz could have been released.
Edward Elwin, executive director of the parole board, said the
decision meant Goetz would have to serve his full one-year sentence,
minus any time off for good behavior, unless he can persuade a court
to overturn the board's ruling.
Goetz, 41, was convicted on the gun charge, but acquitted of
attempted murder, assault and reckless endangerment charges. The case
drew international attention.
Some people called the white radio technician a racist vigilante for
shooting four black young men who were panhandling.
Others hailed Goetz as a hero who resisted a robbery.
Goetz maintained the men were about to rob him and that he was
acting in self defense.
Goetz's attorney, Mark Baker, said he might try to have the decision
overturned and called the board's decision outrageous.
''Anybody in power is afraid to do something that favors Bernhard
Goetz for fear of being labeled a racist by the fringe elements,'' he
said. ''So he sits and rots.
''He's angry. He's frustrated,'' Baker said of Goetz. ''He doesn't
belong there.''
Goetz began serving his sentence Jan. 13 after appeals in the state
courts failed. On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to reverse
the conviction.
AP-NY-03-04-89 0550EST
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