The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Board of Parole Hearings granted parole to inmate Kyle Douglas Frank (CDCR #AH1177) on April 10, 2024, after serving only 14 years of his 90-year prison sentence. In response to the Parole Board’s decision, the District Attorney’s Office submitted a letter to the Governor requesting him to intervene and refer this decision to the full Board for en banc review and rescission. On July 19, 2024, the Governor sent the case back to the Board of Parole Hearings for en banc review.
On August 20, 2024, the full Board hearing was held with the District Attorney’s Office and a victim appearing in opposition of Frank’s early parole. No one appeared in support. The Board affirmed the initial panel’s decision to grant early parole and release for Frank.
Outline of facts:
Frank committed four separate freeway shootings in Sacramento County from August 22, 2009, to September 9, 2009. Each victim was either Hispanic or African American. He attempted to murder eight innocent people simply because of their skin color.
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On August 22, 2009, an African American male victim was driving on Interstate 80 next to Frank’s car. When the victim looked over at Frank’s car, Frank yelled out a racial slur. The victim tried to speed away, but Frank caught up to him and approached the victim’s passenger side. Frank yelled out more racial slurs and fired several rounds at the victim’s car, striking it six times through the passenger door.
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On August 31, 2009, a Hispanic female victim was driving with her minor children (ages 5 and 14) in her minivan. When the victim got to Florin Road, Frank began tailgating her. As both cars merged onto Interstate 5, Frank passed the victim and cut her off at the on-ramp. He then yelled at the victim and fired four gunshots at her car, striking her minivan several times.
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On September 6, 2009, a Hispanic male victim was driving on the freeway near Frank’s car. The victim observed Frank driving aggressively and weaving in and out of traffic. Moments later, the victim was involved in a road rage incident with Frank. As the victim tried to drive away, Frank fired five gunshots toward the victim’s car. Three bullets were found lodged in the victim’s passenger side door and one bullet was found lodged in the passenger seat.
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On September 9, 2009, three Hispanic family members were in a vehicle traveling on Interstate 80 and attempted to exit on Antelope Road. At that time, Frank used his vehicle to accelerate and decelerate in a way that prevented the victims’ vehicle from exiting the freeway. Frank then stated a racial slur and fired several shots at the victims’ car. A bullet grazed one of the victim’s legs.