Parole reversed for man in prison for stabbing death

HOUSTON

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles reversed its decision that would have set Buice free this fall, citing new information that had not been previously submitted for review.

It's been a roller coaster of emotions for the mother of Paul Broussard who lost her son to murder 20 years ago last month.

"I'm very grateful, I definitely am. I had a lot of support," Broussard's mother, Nancy Rodriguez, said.

Rodriguez says Tuesday's decision to reverse the parole of Buice gives her some peace of mind for now.

Buice is the last of 10 defendants sentenced in connection to Broussard's 1991 Montrose area murder; prosecutors said Broussard was killed because he was gay.

"I think it says that the community's voice has been heard. We're pleased with the decision. It's been a little bit tense in not knowing what was going to happen," said Noel Freeman with the Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transsexual Political Caucus.

Buice has served less than half of his 45-year sentence. Last month, a parole board decided he could be released this October.

"We're going to cherish the victory today, and we don't get a chance to smile too often," Mayor's Crime Victim's Advocate Andy Kahan said.

But hundreds of letters, signatures and new information prompted a reversal on Tuesday.

"It's good for victims today, and I think it sends not only an important message to Nancy and her family but to other survivors," Kahan said.

Kahan says he can't release what the information on Buice is, but he believes the involvement from the Harris County District Attorney's Office also had a big impact.

District Attorney Pat Lykos responded saying, "Jon Buice committed a brutal murder. We applaud the decision of the Parole Board to keep him incarcerated."

Rodriguez says she's thought a lot about her son on Tuesday and believes the decision can be an example to other families who have lost loved ones to violent crime.

"Never give up hope and just keep on trying. It really makes a difference," she said.

While Buice will not be getting out in October as the parole board initially ruled, the family of Broussard will have to go before the board once again in August 2012.

The nine other teens convicted in Broussard's death served sentences from probation to 20 years and have all been released on parole.