The Board of Parole Hearings originally denied these inmates' requests for freedom. So did the California Supreme Court and two lower courts. But then, a federal appeals court said they should be paroled - and the state set them free. Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned that ruling - and Harriet Salarno with Crime Victims United says the inmates belong in prison:
Salarno: "How can the Department of Corrections not pick up these murderers that are roaming around the state of California?"
Patino: "They're alleging that we made a mistake. And it's important to note that we did not make a mistake."
Luis Patino with the Corrections Department says the state had to comply with the original release order. But now, it can't just re-arrest them. It has to follow the legal process. That means getting court approval for new parole hearings to decide whether to reincarcerate the convicts. Many could wind up back in prison. But some were found suitable for parole and are likely free for good.