Deadly Axis Wants Parole After 19 Years in Prison, Despite Parole Board Saying No

Axis killer John Ericson wants to be released on parole after spending 19 years indoors for killing his wife with a tomahawk while asleep.

Ericson was denied parole.

Ericson's attorney, Michael Starling, said the case in Wellington High Court Wednesday was not just for him, but for people serving long sentences .

He made unlawful decisions by not presenting a policy or detailed analysis of how they apply a simple test, which the person applying for poses an undue risk to the safety of the community, he said.

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* Tomahawk killer wants counseling
* Ax murderer refused parole

On July 31, 1999, Ericson hit his wife Sandra 22 times at the # 39, back of the head with an ax while she was sleeping

The father of two was sentenced to life imprisonment and became eligible for parole on July 31, 2009.

In 2007 , Ericson fled a working group at Wellington Prison, unleashing a large manhunt in the capital

He went to the police at the Wellington ferry terminal two days later and was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment, to serve at the same time as his life sentence

. Ericson's wife's family at the 2016 parole hearing said that they opposed her release and feared for the safety of the community in general

. The psychological assessments suggested that Ericson's likelihood of recidivism was low, but if he did, it would be serious

. the board stated that Ericson had made progress, but had contentious and obsessive behavior. Positive changes in his behavior lately have not been tested.

He should be heard for another parole hearing in September

Judge Karen Clark said that she could not release Ericson. Starling accepted the decision, requesting that the decision be returned to the Parole Board.

Starling stated that there were other people who could be considered to be at higher risk and who had been released on parole while Ericson was not . The public may be wondering why Hayden Poulter, who killed three people, is now in the community, he said.

– Stuff