Governor allows release of woman who served nearly 30 years in prison
—By Gilien Silsby
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger did not reverse a parole board’s recommendation today to release a woman who spent 29 years in prison for sitting in a car while her husband robbed and killed a shop owner.
The woman, Connie Keel of Santa Monica, Calif., was represented by USC Law student Adam Reich, as part of the USC Gould School of Law’s Post-Conviction Justice Project clinical program.
This is one of the few times Schwarzenegger has not blocked a prisoner’s release on the Parole Board’s first recommendation.
“This is the happiest day of my life,” said Reich, a second-year law student. “I never thought that as a law student I could have such a profound impact on a person's life. This is why I went to law school.”
Convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, Keel has spent nearly three decades in the California Institution for Women. Before the California Board of Parole Hearings six times, Keel’s parole was finally recommended in October 2008.
Schwarzenegger received the parole board’s recommendation on Feb. 26 and had 30 days to decide whether to uphold, deny or decline to review the board’s recommendation. Schwarzenegger declined to review the Parole Board’s recommendation, affirming Keel’s release.
Reich represented Keel at her parole hearing and waged a spirited campaign for Keel’s release since that time. The New York native created a website, www.freeconnie.com, distributed “Free Connie” flyers at a local event, and distributed “Free Connie” T-shirts featuring her photo and web address. He also worked with the women’s advocacy group, Action Committee for Women in Prison.
“I never thought that as a law student I could have such a profound impact on a person's life,” said Reich, 25. “Representing Ms. Keel has been a challenging and rewarding experience, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity. Years from now I know I will look back on this experience not only as the defining moment of my law school career, but as the catalyst for my pursuing a career in litigation.”
Reich is one of 20 students in USC Law’s Post-Conviction Justice Project who, under the direction of Professors Michael Brennan and Heidi Rummel, represent women convicted of first- and second-degree murder at parole hearings and in the state courts. Many of the women have been battered and abused.
Since 1994, more than 350 USC Law students have worked with hundreds of clients on matters such as consultation and representation at parole hearings, and state and federal lawsuits challenging denials of constitutional rights. More than 25 women in California have been freed from prison, as a result of to the work of students and their professors.
Reich’s enthusiasm and commitment to the case is “is incredible,” said Prof. Michael Brennan, who is the supervising attorney and heads the Post-Conviction Justice Project. “All of our students are focused on their cases and very much want to help their clients, and Adam has devoted nearly a year to this one.”
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