The North Carolina Post Release Supervision and Parole Commission has announced it is reviewing the case of Harold L. Watkins, who was convicted of first-degree murder in Richmond County Superior Court on June 13, 1973. Watkins received a life sentence for the crime.
The review is being conducted under the Mutual Agreement Parole Program (MAPP), which is described as “a scholastic and vocational program that is a three-way agreement between the Commission, the N.C. Department of Adult Correction, and the offender.” Further details about MAPP can be found on the N.C. Department of Adult Correction website.
According to the Commission, input from individuals supporting or opposing parole for Watkins, along with facts from the case, will be considered during its investigation. The Commission stated: “Information gathered during the investigation from persons for and against parole of the individual, as well as the facts of the case, will be considered by the Commission in making its decision. Upon completion of the investigation, the Commission will render its final decision and all required parties will be notified within 10 days of that decision.”
It was also noted that parole was eliminated for crimes committed on or after October 1, 1994 due to Structured Sentencing reforms; however, cases sentenced before this date remain eligible for parole consideration.
The Commission clarified that details specific to this case are not public information because they involve internal offender records. Victim information and letters regarding parole are confidential and not disclosed publicly.
Questions about the parole process can be directed to the Commission at (919) 716-3010.
