Residents across Colorado Springs are reacting to the sentencing of a convicted sex offender who brutally killed a young woman just days after being released on parole. The case has reignited serious concerns about parole procedures and offender supervision in Colorado.
Victim Met Her Killer Just Days Before Her Death
According to the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, 27-year-old Allison Scarfone met Gregory Whittemore in October 2022, shortly after his release from prison. Whittemore had previously been convicted of attempted sexual assault with use of force in 2013.
Scarfone and Whittemore reportedly met while he was still under parole supervision. Within a week, the two ended up at Whittemore’s home, where an argument escalated into deadly violence. Authorities said Whittemore beat and strangled Scarfone to death, leaving her body in his garage. Colorado Springs police discovered her body hours later.
A Troubled History with the Justice System
Whittemore’s violent history had already raised red flags. He was originally sentenced to 10 years to life of intensive supervised probation in 2013. However, after violating the terms of that probation, he was re-sentenced in 2017 to five years to life in prison.
Despite this history, Whittemore was granted parole and released. Less than a week later, he murdered Scarfone.
The case has prompted public outcry over the handling of violent sexual offenders and the decisions that allowed Whittemore to reenter the community.
Judge Hands Down 70-Year Sentence
On Thursday, the court sentenced Whittemore to 70 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. The DA’s office emphasized the importance of longer incarceration periods for violent offenders.
Justice Served, But Questions Remain
While Scarfone’s family and the community may find some closure in the sentencing, many are calling for deeper reforms in the parole and sentencing systems to prevent similar tragedies.
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This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
