SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – Gov. Jerry Brown again blocked parole Thursday for a former leader of the Mexican Mafia prison gang who now helps law enforcement, discounting claims that the double murderer intended to enter the federal witness protection program.
The governor similarly rejected parole for Rene “Boxer” Enriquez last year after concluding he is at risk of being killed if he is freed. His release also would endanger those around him who might be caught in the crossfire, the governor said in his latest decision.
“He remains an active target for the Mexican Mafia and there are many who would go to great lengths to attack Mr. Enriquez because of his high-profile status as a gang dropout,” Brown wrote.
Enriquez said earlier this year that he would enter the federal witness protection program if he is released. But Brown said there is no evidence he has actually been accepted into a state or federal program or that other steps would be taken to conceal his identity or location.
Enriquez, who turns 54 next week, has been in prison since 1993 serving a sentence of 20 years to life for two murders, multiple assaults and drug trafficking conspiracy.