Parole Decision Reversed
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has stopped the parole of Timothy Pauley, a man who was convicted of killing three people. Many people were upset when they heard Pauley might be released. They worried about safety and believed his crimes were too serious for him to be free.
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What Happened in 1980
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In 1980, Pauley and another man robbed the Barn Door Tavern near the Seattle-Tacoma Airport. They took five employees hostage and tied them up. They forced the women to take off their clothes. Then, they shot and killed two men inside a walk-in cooler. They also strangled one of the women. Two women survived the attack.
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Pauley was sentenced to life in prison for murder, robbery, and other crimes.
Parole Controversy
Pauley has had his case reviewed for parole many times. In 2022, the Washington Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) decided Pauley had changed after many years of counseling and rehab programs. But Governor Jay Inslee did not believe Pauley was truly sorry and denied parole.
Later, before Inslee left office in 2024, he changed his mind and allowed Pauley to be released. This made many people angry, especially the victims’ families and local leaders.
Governor Ferguson’s Decision
After hearing complaints, Governor Ferguson stopped Pauley’s parole. Mayor Terry Carter of Bonney Lake was one of the people who asked Ferguson to take action. Carter and others feared Pauley could be released into their community.
On March 25, 2025, Ferguson officially canceled Pauley’s parole. He said he did not believe Pauley was fully rehabilitated.
“One must question whether his expressions of regret come from true remorse or self-interest in being paroled. Having reviewed the ISRB record, I do not find that Mr. Pauley’s rehabilitation is complete,” Ferguson said.
The case is now being sent back to the ISRB for more review.
Reactions from the Community
Many people, including the victims’ families, were happy with Ferguson’s decision. Mayor Carter thanked the governor for keeping public safety in mind. The families of the victims believe Pauley should stay in prison for life.
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Legal and Policy Issues
In Washington, the governor can overrule ISRB decisions. This case raises questions about whether violent criminals should ever be released. Some people believe in second chances, while others think some crimes are too terrible to forgive.
Key Points:
- In 1980, Pauley killed three people in a tavern robbery.
- He was sentenced to life in prison.
- In 2022, the ISRB said he could be released, but this was later debated.
- Governor Ferguson canceled Pauley’s parole after public pressure.
- Victims’ families and local leaders supported the decision.
Final Thoughts
This case shows how difficult parole decisions can be. Some believe in rehabilitation, while others think life sentences should mean life in prison. The ISRB will review Pauley’s case again, and many people will be watching to see what happens next.
What Do You Think?
Should life sentences mean life in prison? Or should people have a chance at parole if they show they have changed? Share your thoughts below!