on parole for life, walker wants to be an example
Sean Walker never appeared before the Georgia Parole Board in order to receive parole, yet he did appear before the five-member Board as a guest on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, at the monthly meeting of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.
In Georgia, parole decisions are made by the Board by reviewing the offender’s comprehensive parole case file. Walker, who is now serving his life sentence on parole, was invited to the Parole Board’s meeting to speak about his past and his present.
He thanked the Parole Board for his release.
“I never had the chance to publicly apologize for the crime that I committed,” stated Walker. “I do apologize,” he added.
Walker was paroled last year following 21 years in prison. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the murder of his girlfriend who was also the mother of his daughter. As a result of his excellent prison record, in 2009, Walker was afforded the opportunity to participate in a transition program as part of the inmate work detail at the Governor’s mansion. He worked for both Governors Perdue and Deal and became a cook at the mansion.
Earlier this year, Walker was invited to and then recognized by Governor Deal during Deal’s inauguration address. In 2013, Walker was granted parole and released on parole in 2014 after successfully completing a Department of Corrections’ work release program.
Walker says, at times, he felt because of what he had done and the pain he had caused, that he didn’t deserve parole.
"I had no right to do what I did, and I will forever live with that.”
He says because of his parole he has major responsibilities.
“I thank you guys for the opportunity to allow me to return back to society. I have a tremendous responsibility. I take that with me everywhere I go, every step and decision that I make, I know that I represent the Governor’s Office, I represent the Parole Board, and I represent my family,” stated Walker.
He told the Board that there comes a point when you have to stop blaming others and take responsibility for what you’ve done wrong. He says that was his turning point.
“I have to be the person that you guys knew I could be and gave me the trust, and I look forward to doing a good job.”
Walker told the Board and those at the meeting that he thanks God for putting people on the Board who are in a position to change lives, as well as giving those (inmates) who haven’t learned their lesson more time in order to understand.
“I know the importance of what you guys do and I really, really, appreciate it,” Walker said.
Since his parole release, Walker has worked as a banquet and catering sales coordinator for the Augusta area Goodwill. He also attended college. Walker says his goals are to help other inmates in their return to society and raise awareness regarding domestic violence.
Patrick K. Price
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Parole Review/Fall 2015