McDonald denied parole

A man convicted of complicity to aggravated murder in 1995 was denied parole on Wednesday. DeWitt McDonald, Jr., 58, has served more than 28 years in prison for his convictions for the murder of Vivian Johnson and wounding of Sharon McGill. The full Ohio Parole Board met Wednesday morning at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's Columbus operation support center for McDonald's hearing. After the two-hour hearing, the board deliberated and then voted to deny McDonald's parole. The parole board chair, Lisa Hoying, stated McDonald is unsuitable for parole at this time because his release would pose an undue risk to the community. Speaking for McDonald Four people spoke on McDonald's behalf: Jessica Manungo from the state public defender's office, Rev. Curtis Johnson, Dr. Eugene Sanders and McDonald's sister Cynthia McDonald-Devese. Manungo said McDonald takes responsibility for not being truthful when police first came to him during their investigation. She claimed McDonald didn't want to be caught in an act of unfaithfulness to his wife. She stated McDonald has been classified as a Level 1 inmate, which is the lowest security level. "Level 1 inmates are granted the highest levels of privilege and autonomy whenever possible," according to the ODRC website. Manungo stated McDonald has a solid release plan. He could live with his sister and brother-in-law in the Columbus area. His brother, who owns a car dealership, would offer him a job, including paid training, she said. She also pointed to the fact that the two other men implicated in the crime have been released. Parole board member Steven Herron spoke about the uncertainty surrounding McDonald's sentence. He stated that if McDonald had been offered a parole hearing nine years ago, he would not have been granted parole due to his behavior in prison. Next to speak was Rev. Curtis Johnson. He said that even if McDonald lives in Columbus after release, he would continue to be a mentor to him. Curtis Johnson also mentioned that everyone can look back on their younger days and realize they didn't make the best decisions. McDonald's sister Cynthia McDonald-Devese spoke extensively about the ethics their parents strove to instill in them. She said McDonald could live with her and her husband and that she doesn't tolerate any foolishness in her house. Sanders then spoke for McDonald. He noted that his early experience with McDonald was that of his high school social studies and history teacher. Sanders said McDonald was a good student who assimilated into the high school experience well. He stated his belief in McDonald's ability to reenter the community. "I believe that Dewitt McDonald will be a law-abiding citizen," Sanders said. Sanders stated he was adding his voice to the recommendation that McDonald be granted parole. "I believe he has the capacity to be restored and I believe he has the ability to be renewed," Sanders said. For the state Assistant attorney general Micah Ault, Sharon McGill and Louis Johnson spoke against McDonald's parole. Ault noted a strong case against McDonald was presented, and nothing in the years since has changed that fact. Ault stated witness Krista Harris testified that McDonald and Tuner admitted their involvement in the shooting to her. He mentioned a witness that saw the defendants in an incident with Jerome Caffey before the shooting. Another witness testified they heard McDonald say he would "cap" Caffey, Ault stated. Ault noted a shell casing matching casings at the scene of the shooting was found on the windshield of the car the defendants were driving. He spoke about Harris recanting her testimony. Ault said a federal court determined her recantation was not reliable. He said the case against McDonald was still on firm footing. The assistant attorney general also asked how McDonald could be paroled if he hasn't accepted responsibility of the crime. Ault stated that from reading the trial's transcript, it was clear sentencing judge Ann Maschari intended for McDonald to serve 39 years before being eligible for parole. "We are opposed to the release of Mr. McDonald," he said. McGill, who suffered a gunshot wound to her thigh, also opposed McDonald's parole. "I think he should just stay put," McGill said. "Twenty-eight years or more isn't enough. He should do the whole 39 years." McGill said she planned on saying a lot but she was at a loss for words after listening to those advocating for McDonald. "Listening to his family talk made me want to throw up," she said. Vivian Johnson's son then offered his insight. Louis Johnson, who also goes by Tamyus, did not see McDonald as rehabilitated. He said he wouldn't wish prison on anyone but he believed people like McDonald deserve to be in prison. "I think he should rot the rest of his life in prison," Louis Johnson said.