Thoughts from the Publisher | July 15

[aesop_character name=”Neena Strichart” caption=”Publisher” align=”center”] In August of 1993, police officer Abel Dominguez, while sitting in his police cruiser doing some paperwork, was shot three times, once in the head resulting in his partial paralysis. In less than two months from now, the man convicted of the crime is yet again up for a parole hearing. Since we do not run open letters as a letter to the editor, I am using my column to provide the following plea from Abel Dominguez’s family:
Given that my husband is a retired Long Beach police detective who had worked with Abel, this matter is indeed close to Steve [Strichart]’s heart. Please read below and consider writing a letter to the parole board in favor of denying this felon’s parole.
An open letter from the Family of Sgt. Abel Dominguez—
Our family has been notified that Nathan Sims (J-32468), the person who was convicted for the attempted murder of my husband, our father and grandfather, is once again eligible for a parole suitability hearing on September 7, 2016. The hearing will take place at Solano State Prison, Vacaville, CA. This is our family’s 5th parole hearing, despite his life sentence.
Since 1993, he has continued to show no remorse and to deny his full actions. Nathan Sims has done nothing to improve himself while incarcerated. There are resources available to all inmates. Enroll in school or learn a trade. At the last hearing he admitted to not taking any self-improvement courses, but did attend one on how not to associate with gang members. He has not taken responsibility for his actions, and still blames the Long Beach Police Department for convicting the wrong man.
Nathan Sims poses a serious threat to our family, to the police family, and public safety. Despite his crimes, over the years our family is repeatedly brought back to relive the trauma of Abel’s shooting and the nightmare of the system.
Many of you have walked beside us and supported us through this nightmare previously. Once again, due to the system, we are again reaching out and urgently NEED your help. Please stand with us and write a letter of support. Please ask the Parole Board to DENY PAROLE, and keep Nathan Sims incarcerated for his actions.
Send letters to:
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services
P.O. Box 942883
Sacramento, CA 94283
RE: Nathan Sims CDC J-32468,
Hearing 9/7/16
Letters must be mailed out before August 12, 2016 to be considered.
On behalf of our family, thank you.
Sincerely,
Abel & Cindy Dominguez
Phillip, Alexandra, Laura, Cana & Coen