Riverside leaders are opposing the possible parole of Joseph Neale Jr., who shot seven people — including four council members and the mayor — at City Hall in 1998.
“The violent nature of this crime — targeting elected leaders within City Hall during a public meeting — reflects a grave threat to civic order and government integrity,” the letter states.
The council unanimously agreed Feb. 3 to send the letter to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Board of Parole Hearings.
Neale has waived his right to his last three parole hearings, but is scheduled for another in September, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He is currently at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, serving a 374-year sentence.
On the morning of Oct. 6, 1998, Neale walked into a conference room next to City Council chambers and opened fire with a 9mm handgun, he wounded four former council members, former Mayor Ron Loveridge and two police officers.
Neale, who said he was frustrated that the council cut funding for his Eastside chess program and by society’s treatment of African Americans, surrendered after police shot him in the groin and both thighs. He was sentenced in 2002.
“Even though no deaths resulted, the severity is apparent in the intentional and coordinated attack on public officials,” said in the letter signed by all seven council members and Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson. “This was not a momentary lapse or accidental act; it was premeditated violence aimed at causing widespread fear and harm.”
They added that Neale’s behavior indicates a willingness to “use extreme violence in pursuit of personal grievances.”
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