BAKERSFIELD, CA — Senator Melissa Hurtado’s (D-Bakersfield) is condemning the Governor’s planned early-parole release of Maricruz Galaviz for the horrific murder of Kern County teenager Amanda Zubia.

“Amanda was only a teenager when her life was tragically taken in an unimaginably cruel and vicious manner that shattered her family and the community of Kern County. This crime cannot be forgiven, its cruelty ignored, or horrific nature ever forgotten. I urge the Governor not to trample on the shattered hearts of Amanda’s family by releasing this murderer, who was rightly convicted by a jury, in a court of law, into our community,” said Senator Melissa Hurtado. “I stand firmly alongside my community and the surviving family of Amanda Zubia who demand the Governor uphold our Valley’s values, protect our communities, and deny or reverse any parole consideration for Maricruz Galaviz.”

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website listed Maricruz Galaviz as eligible for a parole suitability hearing, noting the request was granted.    

“I share the in the community’s outrage on the decision to parole Galaviz, and encourage the public and anyone in Kern County who wants to weigh in on this important to also write and call the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to express their opposition to this parole board’s decision,” added Hurtado.  

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