The Oregon Parole Board has denied the parole request of Adam Thomas, the last member of the infamous ‘Redmond 5’ still incarcerated, in a split 2-1 decision. Thomas, now 43, was involved in the 2001 murder of his mother, Barbara Thomas, in one of Central Oregon’s most notorious crimes. The board found that Thomas had not fully come to terms with his role in the crime, despite some progress in rehabilitation.

Background of the Case

In 2001, five teenagers, including Thomas, were involved in the brutal murder of Barbara Thomas. The group, known as the ‘Redmond 5’, attacked her in her home, leading to her death. The teens were apprehended at the Canadian border after fleeing in her car. Adam Thomas, who was 18 at the time, was the only one sentenced to life without parole as an adult. The others, who were juveniles, have since been released following a commutation by former Governor Kate Brown.

Parole Board’s Decision

The parole board’s decision was based on Thomas’s failure to meet the burden of proof required for parole. They noted his progress in prison, including obtaining a GED and taking college courses, but expressed concerns about his emotional detachment when discussing the crime. The board also highlighted his history of prison rule violations and his delayed participation in rehabilitation programs.

Family’s Reaction

Reactions from the victim’s family were mixed. Sara Jones, Barbara Thomas’s niece, expressed disappointment with the decision but offered forgiveness to Adam Thomas, expressing a desire to rebuild a family relationship. Adam’s brother, Jason Thomas, attended the hearing and expressed sadness over the outcome.

Future Prospects

Adam Thomas has the option to appeal the board’s decision or seek parole again in two years. The board acknowledged his efforts towards rehabilitation and encouraged him to continue his progress, indicating the possibility of a different outcome in future hearings.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.