Parolee is arrested for domestic violence

Convicted murderer and parolee Shawn Appleby was brought to a parole revocation hearing last Monday after being arrested last March 24 for domestic violence, according to Board of Parole documents.

According to parole officer Jason A. Lizama in his violation citation report, the 40-year-old Appleby was arrested for domestic violence and disturbing the peace at his home in Dandan.

Lizama said the victim in this case is a parolee herself.

Among the conditions of Appleby’s parole is that he shall not engage in criminal conduct. Other parole conditions is that Appleby shall not associate with persons engaged in criminal activities or with persons that have been convicted of a crime.

Chief parole officer Nick M. Reyes said that in his interview last March 24, Appleby stated that they had just an argument but no physical contact happened. The argument with the alleged victim was reportedly about food and payroll.

A preliminary hearing was set last Monday afternoon at the Department of Corrections in order to determine whether there is a probable cause to believe that Appleby violated the conditions of his parole. The hearing was also intended to determine whether the matter should be referred for consideration by the Parole Board.

Appleby is currently in DOC’s custody.

Chief prosecutor John Bradley told Saipan Tribune that the Parole Board did find probable cause against Appleby and that a hearing date for revocation is next.

In September 2019, despite the OAG’s and the Parole Office’s opposition to grant Appleby parole, the Parole Board voted to release him.

Appleby was sentenced to serve a 42-year sentence to run concurrently for the charges of first-degree murder and escape.

Bradley had opposed the grant of parole to Appleby, saying he is not suitable for parole. He said Appleby has served less than half of his sentence and has slightly over 24 years remaining. The chief prosecutor said the inmate was previously granted parole in Feb. 2011, only to be revoked in December 2012 for violating the conditions of his parole. Bradley said that Appleby admitted in his interview for the investigation report that he drinks alcohol and uses crystal meth. He said Appleby’s admitted use of meth could potentially result in future criminal acts.

Bradley said a review of the institutional conduct report from the Department of Corrections shows that Appleby was sanctioned in 2012 and 2014, and was placed in isolation for violations such as disrespecting staff and possession of tobacco.

Appleby is serving a 40-year prison for killing Byung Ok Suh in November 1996 after robbing the victim’s store, Chalan Market, in San Antonio. The victim was shot.

Appleby bolted from the Department of Corrections twice, in 1999 and 2007, adding two more years on top of his 40-year prison term.