A Texas woman sentenced to 15 years in prison in January for stabbing a nurse 21 times is already up for parole, court documents confirm.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, on November 14, 2015, Pearl Moen, 17 at the time, attempted to kill a 23-year-old nurse. Moen targeted the victime, a random stranger, and stabbed her 21 times outside of an Austin apartment complex in Hyde Park, after she spotted her relaxing on a blanket, soaking in the sun. The victim survived, although her right lung collapsed and she was left with numerous scars and long-term medical issues.
For months, police had no idea who stabbed the victim, until Moen’s mother contacted them after Moen kicked her in the head. Her mother confiscated her diary, which had incriminating evidence that Moen not only tried to kill the victim, but apparently enjoyed it.
“I stabbed an innocent woman to death earlier today (well yesterday since it’s 1 a.m.) … It was absolutely fantastic. Murder gives me a high unlike any other. It feels like this crisp unreality, flashing and sparkling, adrenaline and shock, fight or flight mode.”
“How do I even go about describing it. The whole thing was unreal. I’m so proud of myself. I stabbed her like 20 times. Maybe more. I wasn’t counting. She screamed and grabbed at me, saying, ‘What the (expletive)?! Help. Leave.’ … For now, I should explain why. Other than the fact that I’m a homicidal psychopath. I have a deep hatred towards people right now. … Yesterday I lost my other gold ring I’ve worn all my life on a chain around my neck as it was ripped off by a girl I was murdering. Fate is weird.”
KXAN reports that Moen is eligible for parole because her conviction of attempted murder isn’t considered a “3G” offense, such as murder or aggravated sexual assault. Prosecutors reportedly assumed that attempted murder would be a 3G offense, which would have prevented Moen from getting a parole decision so early.
While 3G offenders must serve half of their prison sentence before they’re up for parole, non 3G offenders are up for parole much earlier, given they exhibit “good behavior” while locked up. Moen’s time served in jail while awaiting trial is counted towards the 1/4 time served, needed for non 3G offenders before they’re eligible for parole review.
“People make mistakes and sometimes you think logic is going to overrule,” said Katie, the victim of the stabbing. “I don’t understand how attempted murder is not seen as a serious crime, and I feel like that’s a complete flaw in this 3G system.”
Moen’s first parole review is scheduled for Nov. 8, according to Austin American-Statesman. Joe Frederick, an assistant DA with the Travis County district attorney’s office, said it’s worth noting that although she’s eligible for parole review, it doesn’t mean the parole board, which consists of three panelists, will grant Moen freedom.
“It is also worth noting that eligibility does not mean a prisoner will be granted parole,” Frederick said.
Meanwhile, Katie, who recovered from the stabbings after numerous months of physical therapy, said that Moen is capable of committing the same crime again.
“She’s very capable of doing this again to someone else, considering this was a completely unprovoked situation. She was essentially hunting somebody.”
[Feature Photo: Austin PD]
