Re: Anthony Blanks 04120747H 78A0538 Dear Parole Board Officers: was 17 years old the day Mr. Blanks made a willful decision to end my father's life. kneeled by my father's side as his life ebbed. This was a senseless murder. Mr. Blanks had the opportunity to turn and run after injuring my father with the first bullet. But he chose instead to take pursuit and inflict a mortal wound. He is where he is today because of this decision, not because of an unjust sentence or racial bias. We as a family also had to live with the consequences of his decision. All of the major life achievements my father did not attend, including college graduations and weddings times four, and the birth of 11 grandchildren and a soon to be great grandchild. My mother's life partner was taken from her when she was 42. She celebrated her 85'" birthday this year without him at her side. Admittedly, over the years it became easierto forget his absence at family gatherings and we filled the void with friends and family who always kept an out for my mother. Yet, to their credit, the community of Larchmont and the Larchmont Police Department have never forgotten, bless their hearts. Then in 2001, the parole letters started coming. Every two years the letters would arrive to re-open the wounds, bring back the loss. have had reporters track me down at work where messages would be delivered with questioning looks. Just this past week someone mistakenly called my son's cell phone looking for a statement about the parole board's split decision. Sol do have to ask myself: Would it not be easier for this all to just go away, this upheaval of emotions that linger and truly don't start to wane until the decision letter arrives? But, my mother was given a life sentence, one during which there will be no parole hearing or chance for a new start. And as she does not want to see this man go free, neither can I support a decision for parole. Those who think that more than 40 years has passed and we should forgive and forget, should live in our shoes to know that even 40 years later the loss is still palpable. Maybe this is because it was so senseless, because it was so deliberate, or because it was an act of hate against a man who was simply kind and gentle. Sol ask the parole board to carefully consider the feelings of my mother, sisters, and brother, as well as our extended family, before making a decision in favor of parole. Sincerely. aneE Dematte 'Amico