On April 22, 1996, a tragic event unfolded as Higinio Gonzalez shot Eric Pavilionis in the chest, resulting in Eric’s death. Following his arrest the next day, Higinio confessed to the murder. Despite being just 16 years old at the time of the offense, he was sentenced to life in prison in 1997. Gonzalez is slated for parole eligibility in 2027.
In the Netflix series I Am A Killer, Higinio Gonzalez shares his story, reflecting on the crime and expressing remorse for his actions. Many viewers resonated with his account, with a significant number arguing that his life sentence was disproportionate and that he has undergone personal transformation. Various Reddit users voiced their support for his potential early release:
Comment by u/dogswrestle from discussion in IAmaKiller
“He is someone who deserves to be released. He shows a sense of conscience, regret, and acknowledgement of his mistakes. This individual can be rehabilitated.”
“This episode was truly impactful for me. I sincerely hope he receives the early release he is deserving of…,”one user expressed.
“I really hope this man is given a second chance. His sincerity comes across, and considering his youth, I find it hard to believe in sentencing children to life without the possibility of change. They deserve rehabilitation…”another user remarked.
Many Reddit users echoed similar sentiments in their comments:
“In my perspective, serving 30 years is more than sufficient punishment for his crime. He appears to truly regret his actions, and while the incident resulted in the tragic loss of a father of four, there is room for redemption, and I don’t see him as a threat to the community. A life sentence seems excessive,”stated a Redditor.
“This was the only episode that made me weep uncontrollably. Although what he did was indefensible, I truly believe he is sincere and that his life could turn around if he were released now,”another user sympathized with Higinio.
“This story devastated me. Sending a 16-year-old to spend life in prison feels utterly unreasonable,”wrote another Redditor.
Season 5, episode 3 of I Am a Killer was profoundly moving for many viewers. Here are some poignant remarks shared by fans:
“This episode made me cry; it’s heartbreaking for both sides, one netizen noted, after watching.
“My heart aches. I sympathize with both Eric’s family and Higinio. It’s a tragedy for everyone involved,”another user commented.
When is Higinio Gonzalez Eligible for Parole?
Higinio Gonzalez was sentenced to life in prison in 1997, with a minimum of 30 years before parole consideration. At that time, he was only 17 years old. He will be eligible for parole in 2027, pending an evaluation by the parole board. If the board concludes that he has demonstrated significant personal growth and is no longer a threat, he might be granted release.
What do you think about Higinio Gonzalez’s life sentence? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Leave a Reply