Griffith addresses Virginia Parole Board regarding Stephen Epperly
Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney Justin L. Griffith issued the following statement today:
As I have previously told this county, today our office was given the opportunity to speak with the Virginia Parole Board regarding the potential parole release of Stephen Epperly.
We all have learned that many things regarding the Virginia Parole Board are done behind closed doors and with a cloak of secrecy.
Our office was proud of what was said to them today and believes you have a right to know our exact words.
I started off the hearing by explaining that this crime occurred before I was born and I am simply honored to be able to speak for continued justice on behalf of our county and the Hall family. It was disclosed to them up front that the whole room and this whole county are united in our demand that his parole be denied. I followed with two specific stories that I promised members of this community I would relay.
I explained “As I am sure you know, we recently suffered through a tragic robbery at the hands of a paroled individual and I do not believe this county should have to endure another paroled predictable ticking time bomb returning to our area”.
I then explained, “There is no fiscal responsibility for his release that could touch the tip of terror Epperly has placed on the Hall family and this community.” “His release would be an abomination of peace to the New River Valley.” “His release would erode the sanctity of a jury verdict by a group of his peers.” “His release would undermine the Virginia Supreme Court which upheld this verdict.”
I continued with “as long as I am in this office, his release will be met head on with support opposing his parole equal to an army of seven nations.” “His release never has been nor will it ever be supported by my office.” “As I said in my letter, the only way he should leave prison is horizontal, on his back.”
I reminded the Virginia Parole Board “if he is paroled, he will be given the opportunity to be reunited with his family.” “June 28, 1980 was the last time the Hall family was with Gina Hall.” “In what county does a convicted murderer get an opportunity that a victim’s family cannot ever have?” “I will tell you where that place shouldn’t be and that, is in Pulaski County.”
I wrapped up with “On behalf of all in this room and this whole county, I ask that he be denied parole and any future hearings be denied for as long as possible.”
I was promised that I would be notified when a decision has been made.
Justin L. Griffith
Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney
May 26, 2021 @ 12:56 pm
Great job Justin. I believe if we had more people standing up for the rights of families and victims instead of taking up a cause for their own initiatives we would see a much more secure community and they would take in pride in standing for others. Keep up the great work you are doing.
May 26, 2021 @ 4:21 pm
Thank you Justin. Masterful remarks. You are completely on target. He should never be released. He is Dangerous.
May 26, 2021 @ 3:43 pm
I agree 100%. If you take a life with malice and intent and the state doesn’t see fit or have the death penalty,you spend the rest of yours behind bars. NO PAROLE EVER!!
May 26, 2021 @ 5:04 pm
Thank you Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney Justin L. Griffith! – Esther Oglesby, High School friend of Gina Hall and Pulaski County resident.
May 27, 2021 @ 8:28 am
Gina Hall wasn’t the only woman he ever attacked and sexually assaulted, she’s just the only one he got caught for. I know of two women who told of this when he was arrested, and they were too ashamed and scared to ever say anything. He needs to stay where he is, forever.