Gang Member Denied Parole

California Department of Corrections inmate Luis Alberto Santana was denied parole after the conclusion of a parole suitability hearing at California Health Care Facility, Stockton on August 28, 2018. The Parole Board found Santana presented an unreasonable risk of danger if released back into the community. The denial was for 5 years.

In 2004, Inmate Santana was convicted of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, intimidating a witness, and burglary. Santana also admitted the crimes were for the benefit of a criminal street gang and that he inflicted great bodily injury during the commission of the crimes. Santana was sentenced to 26 years in prison.

With the recent enactment of Youthful Offender Parole consideration, he was eligible for a parole hearing after having served only 15 years of his sentence.

The charges stem from a 2002 gang assault during which Santana, and a dozen other Sureno gang members, brutally assaulted two men at a gas station in Santa Rosa. The brazen midday attack resulted in serious injury to both victims. The victims were rushed to a local hospital for treatment of their multiple stab wounds and blunt force injuries.

District Attorney Ravitch stated, “We support the decision by the Parole Board finding Santana unsuitable for parole at this time. We believe he continues to present a danger if released back into the community. In particular, Santana’s lack of insight into the factors which led to his crimes, and his inability to remain discipline free while incarcerated, support the conclusion Santana should remain incarcerated.”