SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – The convicted killer in a high-profile 2008 Scripps Ranch murder case will not be granted parole for the time being, it was decided on Thursday.
Heather Marie D’Aoust — now known as Heather Cochran — was just 14 years old when he was arrested in connection with the death of his adoptive mother at a home in Scripps Ranch over Memorial Day weekend in 2008.
Authorities said 56-year-old Rebecca D’Aoust died a day after she was attacked with a claw hammer.
In 2010, the teen was sentenced to 16 years to life in prison for the killing.
At Thursday’s hearing before state parole commissioners, Cochran — who now identifies as non-binary and uses the pronouns he/him — stipulated that he was not ready to be released.
“I need time to take these classes and do better,” Cochran said.
Additionally, parole commissioners said Cochran was diagnosed with schizoaffective bipolar disorder and several personality disorders.
While the parole question was not decided, the parole board gave family members a chance to get on the record.
After some 80 visits, "the person I see today is not the child who committed this act ... Heather has demonstrated genuine remorse," said James D'Aoust, Rebecca's husband and Heather's father.
While Cochran’s father has supported his release, other family members have opposed Cochran's parole.
"I cannot honestly say there is no risk of violence happening again ... It doesn't mean I do not love Heather. Love and forgiveness do not erase consequences," said a tearful Julie Patterson, Cochran's sister.
With Thursday's decision, Cochran's next parole hearing is expected to be in three years.
