Parole hearing
This page takes you through Wayland’s Parole Hearing on May 8th, 2025.
Everything that was submitted to the Parole Board, as well as a transcript of the Parole Board’s questioning are available below.
Recorded Parole Hearing from May 8th, 2025. Testimony from the victim’s family has been omitted, out of respect for their grieving and privacy.
Submitted Documents, Parole Hearing Transcript, and Risk Assessments:
May 7, 2025
Wayland was granted a parole hearing after nearly 28 years inside. The organizing behind his parole hearing broke records. His supporters and notable organizations sent in over 50 letters of support, advocating for his release.
On the hearing day, attendees packed the hearing room, the waiting room, and even spilled over into a second location, watching the hearing over Zoom.
The Parole Board had two stated objectives for their questioning:
1). To confirm Wayland would be supported if released from prison.
2). To confirm he would not be “a threat to society”.
In spite of this, the board remained fixated on Wayland’s initial conviction, for which he has an innocence claim. Over the course of three hours, Wayland delivered a masterclass in clear-headed composure.
Five sincere, heartfelt testimonies were given on Wayland's behalf from his psychologist, colleagues, professors, friends, and relatives.
October 14, 2025
Nearly three months late, the Parole Board denied Wayland release, issuing one of the harshest setbacks out of all Mattis cases that preceded his. Three years before he could return in front of the board, where they could very well deny him again.
In 2026, a petition was created to advocate for Wayland’s just release.