KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Parole has been denied for a man convicted in the 1989 death of a Kansas City, Kansas police officer.
In November of 1988, Officer Jeff Young set up a road block on Interstate 70 to stop then 20-year-old Darryl Lewis, who was high on P.C.P., driving a stolen car and running from police. Lewis ran down Officer Young, and after nine months in a coma, the officer died.
Lewis was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Officer Young, and sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.
Kenneth Young was just a boy when his 29-year-old uncle passed away.
“He loved being a police officer and he definitely loved my aunt,” said Young.
That’s why Young says the letter he received from the parole board denying Lewis’s request is such a gift. Two weeks ago, the parole board heard arguments from both sides. As far as the Young family is concerned, behind bars is where Lewis should stay.
Knowing Lewis’ parole hearing was coming up, Young recently visited him in prison. Young says his grandparents died brokenhearted, never knowing “why,” and sadly, he says his family family still does not have that answer.
“He had absolutely no remorse for what he did,” said Young of his visit with Lewis. “He was like, I didn’t even know I hurt anybody.”
Young says he asked the now 47-year-old if he is sorry. According to Young, Lewis replied, “I don’t know.”
Lewis will be eligible for parole again in 2019.
