Commentary Michel and Ellen Shane recently attended the first parole hearing of the man who murdered their 13-year-old daughter, Emily. Notably absent from the parole hearing was a prosecutor from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office (LADA). This injustice was compliments of George Gascón. Defendants who are convicted of murder usually receive a “life” sentence and are entitled to a parole hearing by the Parole Board to decide if/when they are “suitable” for release. At a parole hearing, the inmate is always represented by an attorney. Victims and their families (referred to as victim’s next of kin or VNOK) have an absolute right to attend and meaningfully participate in parole hearings. The District Attorney’s Office is the sole representative for the interests of the people at a parole hearing. The prosecutor has the responsibility to speak on the facts and give an opinion about whether parole is appropriate. Prosecutors …