City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: FEBRUARY 3, 2026
FROM: COUNCILMEMBERS CHUCK CONDER AND SEAN MILL WARD: ALL
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE THE CITY COUNCIL TO SUBMIT A PAROLE OPPOSITION LETTER REGARDING JOSEPH L. NEALE JR. (CDCR T08899)
ISSUE:
Authorize the City Council to submit a formal letter opposing parole for Joseph L. Neale Jr. (CDCR T08899) in connection with his upcoming parole suitability hearing scheduled for September 1, 2026.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
1. Authorize the Mayor and City Council to transmit the attached parole opposition letter to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Board of Parole Hearings.
2. Direct the City Clerk to ensure timely delivery of the letter to the Board of Parole Hearings prior to the scheduled hearing date.
BACKGROUND:
On October 6, 1998, Joseph L. Neale Jr. entered a closed-door meeting room behind the Riverside City Council chambers at City Hall and opened fire with a 9 mm handgun. He took Mayor Ron Loveridge and multiple city officials hostage, including Councilmembers Chuck Beaty and Laura Pearson, and shot each of them with intent to kill. Riverside Police Sergeant Wally Rice was also seriously injured during the incident.
Neale was convicted of twelve counts of premeditated attempted murder for this attack, which targeted elected officials during a public meeting. The crime was deliberate, violent, and intended to undermine civic order and government integrity.
Parole Opposition Letter Regarding Joseph L. Neale Jr. ● Page 2
DISCUSSION:
The upcoming parole hearing under Penal Code section 3043 provides an opportunity for the City to express its position regarding public safety and the integrity of government processes. The attached letter outlines the City Council’s opposition to parole based on:
The severity and premeditated nature of the crime.
The multiple victims involved, including elected officials and law enforcement. The continued risk to public safety given the inmate’s demonstrated willingness to use extreme violence to address personal grievances.
Granting parole would not align with the objectives of rehabilitation or the protection of society.
The City Council’s opposition seeks to safeguard municipal employees, residents, and public confidence in government institutions.
Prepared by: Jack Liu, Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Mike Futrell, City Manager Approved as to form: Rebecca McKee-Reimbold, Interim City Attorney
Approved by:
______________________________
CHUCK CONDER
Councilmember, Ward 4
______________________________
SEAN H. MILL
Councilmember, Ward 5
Attachment: Parole Opposition Letter