Santana High Shooter Eligible for Parole, Victims Urged to Voice Concerns at Upcoming Hearing

San Diego, CA — Next month, Charles “Andy” Williams, the individual convicted of a deadly shooting spree at Santana High School in 2001, is slated for a parole hearing. At 15, Williams carried out an attack on the campus in Santee that resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to several others. Following a change in state laws governing juveniles sentenced in adult court, Williams, who received a 50-year to life sentence, now qualifies for a chance at parole.

The Youthful Offender Parole law, enacted to address parole opportunities for juveniles given life sentences, dictates that such individuals will be eligible for parole hearings no later than 25 years into their incarceration. Currently, Williams approaches this critical juncture nearly 22 years after the incident that tragically took the lives of 14-year-old Bryan Zuckor and 17-year-old Randy Gordon and left 11 students and two staff members wounded.

On September 10, Williams’ case will be reviewed, with provisions made for victims or their families to engage in the hearing via video conference or telephone. The San Diego County District Attorney’s office is actively urging those affected by the events at Santana High to participate. The deadline for victims to signal their intent to attend is on August 26, a necessary step to facilitate their involvement in the judicial proceeding.

Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney, emphasizes the significance of victim involvement in parole hearings. “The voices of victims are vital in the parole process,” Stephan stated. She pointed out the extensive impact of the shooting, highlighting the vast number of individuals affected by the tragedy two decades ago.

Those wishing to participate or needing more information on the process can reach out to the Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services via email or their toll-free number. Additionally, more resources and guidance can be obtained from the District Attorney’s Lifer Hearing Unit.

This parole hearing arrives as the community continues to deal with the long-lasting effects of the violence inflicted at Santana High School, prompting reflections on the enduring psychological scars borne by survivors and the broader community. In years following the incident, discussions have deepened concerning the treatment of juvenile offenders in the justice system, the rehabilitative versus punitive purposes of incarceration, and the mechanisms best suited to prevent such tragedies in educational settings.

As the date of the hearing approaches, the community of Santee and those directly impacted by the events of March 5, 2001, brace for a decision that could potentially reopen old wounds or mark a step forward in a collective healing process. Meanwhile, analysts and legal advocates closely watch the case, noting its implications for future juvenile cases and the evolving landscape of criminal justice pertaining to youthful offenders.