January 22, 2026
Sent Via: Email and U.S. Mail
Board of Parole Hearings
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation PO Box 4036
Sacramento, CA 92518
[email protected]
Re: Parole Suitability Hearing September 1, 2026, Opposition to Parole for Inmate Joseph L. Neale Jr. (CDCR T08899), Hearing under Penal Code section 3043 Dear Members of the Board:
The Riverside City Council, submits this formal opposition to the parole of Joseph L. Neale Jr. (Inmate) pursuant to California Penal Code section 3043. The Council respectfully requests that the Board deny parole based on the following.
On October 6, 1998, Inmate entered a closed-door meeting room behind the Riverside City Council chambers at City Hall and opened fire with a 9 mm handgun, taking hostage Mayor Ron Loveridge and multiple city officials, including Councilmembers Chuck Beaty and Laura Pearson. He shot each of them, intending lethal harm, until law enforcement intervened—even shooting and seriously injuring Sgt. Wally Rice of the Riverside Police Department. He was ultimately convicted of twelve counts of premeditated attempted murder.
The violent nature of this crime—targeting elected leaders within City Hall during a public meeting—reflects a grave threat to civic order and government integrity.
Inmate’s conduct involved multiple victims and militaristic tactics against municipal authorities. Even though no deaths resulted, the severity is apparent in the intentional and coordinated attack on public officials. This was not a momentary lapse or accidental act; it was premeditated violence aimed at causing widespread fear and harm.
Inmate’s behavior indicates a willingness to use extreme violence in pursuit of personal grievances. His history demonstrates a continuing inability to channel disputes through lawful and peaceful means. The fact that he declared himself driven by the need to address perceived injustices against him is consistent with ongoing risk. Granting parole could expose the public to a significant likelihood of re-offense under similar stressors.
The Council requests that the Board consider not only the direct victims but the broader psychological impact on municipal employees, residents, and the public's confidence in safe government processes. Buildings like City Hall must be sanctuaries of public discourse, and this event profoundly disrupted that trust.
In light of the severity of Inmate’s crime, the multiple victims involved, his pattern of planned violence, and the serious implications for public safety and civic trust, the Riverside City Council urges the Board to deny parole. We assert that granting parole at this time would not align with the objectives of reform or the protection of society.
Respectfully submitted,
Riverside Mayor and City Council
______________________________
PATRICIA LOCK DAWSON
Mayor of the City of Riverside
______________________________
PHILIP FALCONE
Councilmember, Ward 1
______________________________
CLARISSA CERVANTES
Councilmember, Ward 2
______________________________
STEVEN ROBILLARD
Councilmember, Ward 3
______________________________
CHUCK CONDER
Councilmember, Ward 4
______________________________
SEAN H. MILL
Councilmember, Ward 5
______________________________
JIM PERRY
Councilmember, Ward 6
______________________________
STEVE HEMENWAY
Councilmember, Ward 7
cc: The Mayor
Chief of Police
City Attorney
District Attorney
3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92522 | Phone: (951) 826-5553 | Fax: (951) 826-5470 | RiversideCA.gov3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92522 | Phone: (951) 826-5553 | Fax: (951) 826-5470 | RiversideCA.gov 3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92522 | Phone: (951) 826-5553 | Fax: (951) 826-5470 | RiversideCA.gov 3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92522 | Phone: (951) 826-5553 | Fax: (951) 826-5470 | RiversideCA.gov
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