Man Convicted in 1990 Murders of Teen and Infant has Released on Parole in Erie County

     A man convicted more than three decades ago of murdering a teenage girl and a one-year-old child in Wayne County has now been released on parole and placed in a supervised residential program in Erie County, according to state corrections officials.

     Chad Campbell, now 50, was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder stemming from a 1990 case in which a 15-year-old girl and a one-year-old child were killed.

     Campbell was 14 years old at the time of the crimes. Authorities said he also admitted to sexually assaulting the teenage victim and stated that he killed the infant because the child was crying.

     Campbell later received a sentence of 18 years to life in prison and was taken into custody by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in January 1996.

     More than three decades after the crimes, the New York State Board of Parole voted to grant Campbell release following a parole hearing conducted on November 12th, 2025. According to state officials, the board determined that he met the legal standards required for parole after reviewing his record during incarceration and other required factors.

     During the hearing, Campbell addressed the board and acknowledged responsibility for the crimes.

     “What I did was monstrous and I will never not be sorry for it,” Campbell stated at the hearing.

     Campbell also told the board that he had worked to change during his time in prison.

     “I have worked diligently to change,” he said.

     The parole board ultimately approved his release, citing evidence of rehabilitation and other factors considered during the review process.

     Campbell’s initial release plan placed him in Wayne County, which is the same county where the murders occurred.

     According to officials, he was originally scheduled to be housed at a Budget Inn motel in the Town of Ontario following his release. The plan quickly drew strong opposition from residents and local officials in the area once it became public.

     Ontario Town Supervisor Ben Aman said he contacted the motel directly after learning of the plan and discussed the situation with the property’s management.

     “I explained to him the situation and he was very cooperative with us. He reached back out to his connection at New York State Parole and subsequently canceled the reservation,” Aman explained.

     Following that decision, state officials developed an alternate release plan that moved Campbell to Erie County instead.

     The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision confirmed that Campbell has now been released into a structured residential placement in Erie County.

     DOCCS officials said Campbell is living in a community-based residential program and will be subject to strict supervision, including electronic monitoring.

     In a statement explaining the decision, the department outlined the parole board’s process and the factors considered before approving Campbell’s release.

     “Following an interview with the Board of Parole on November 12, 2025, Chad Campbell (DOB 09/15/1975; DIN 96R0119) was granted an open date of 03/12/2026 or earlier.

Campbell is serving a sentence of 18 years to life after being convicted of two counts of Murder in the 2nd degree. Campbell was received into DOCCS custody on 01/10/1996. He will be released to a structured community-based residential program in Erie County, in addition to being intensively supervised via electronic monitoring.”

     The department also explained that the parole board operates independently and must follow statutory requirements when determining whether inmates should be released.

     “The New York State Board of Parole, as the sole entity that considers and determines whether or not parole eligible individuals should be released, is an independent body whose members have been appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for a six-year term. The Board members base their decisions on whether the standards for release are satisfied in accordance with Executive Law 259-i.”

     According to the department, the board considers a wide range of information before making a final decision.

     “Prior to making a final decision, the Board members must follow the statutory requirements which take into consideration many factors, including statements made by victims and victims’ families, if any, as well as an individual’s criminal history, institutional accomplishments, potential to successfully reintegrate into the community, and perceived risk to public safety.”

     The agency also noted that input from legal authorities is considered as part of the process.

     “Additionally, by statute, the Board considers any recommendations concerning release to Community Supervision from the district attorney, sentencing court and the defense attorney.”

     State regulations also require that multiple parole board members participate in the decision.

     “As per Board regulations, a Board interview must be conducted by a panel of at least two Board members.”

     The decision to place Campbell in Erie County drew criticism from local officials including Erie County Sheriff John Garcia who said he learned of the plan through news reports.

     Garcia issued a statement expressing concern about the placement and the nature of Campbell’s crimes.

     “I was shocked and appalled to learn through the media that Chad Campbell will be paroled to our Erie County community. While I believe in rehabilitation, the details of his case suggest that this is not an individual who should be reentering society.”

     Garcia also said his thoughts remain with the victims and their families.

     “My thoughts are with the victims' family members and the people in Wayne County who are justifiably outraged. I share their dismay.”

     He further criticized the decision by state officials.

     “This move by the Parole Board is the latest in a string of decisions at the state level that put victims last.”

     Campbell is now living in the Erie County residential supervision program as part of the conditions of his parole.

     State officials say he will remain under close supervision and electronic monitoring as part of his release conditions.

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Man Convicted in 1990 Murders of Teen and Infant has Released on Parole in Erie County