Man accused of killing and dismembering 77-year-old woman was let out of prison early despite objections

A career criminal who is accused of murdering and dismembering an elderly woman in Sacramento was released from prison early having served less than half of his nine-year sentence.

44-year-old Darnell Erby was arrested and charged for the murder of 77-year-old Pamela May at her North Highlands home in July.

Investigators said Erby dismembered the woman's body so brutally that she was beyond recognition and had to be identified by the Sacramento County coroner's office.

Since then, local lawmakers have demanded answers about why Erby was let out early instead of serving his entire sentence even after participating in criminal behavior behind bars.

“It’s at the state level, and really a soft on crime issue," said California Assemblyman Jim Cooper, who is also Sacramento's sheriff-elect.

"With this individual, a revolving door, you go to prison, get out very quickly. And these folks know that. And there’s a problem with that. They commit crimes and there’s no accountability.”

Amador County District Attorney Todd Rieb also excoriated the decision by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

“Shock that’s the first thing that hits. And then frustration and anger,” said Rieb, who opposed Erby being released from prison early.

“This is a man that he’s only been free of incarceration for five to six years over the last 20," Rieb added. "And during that period of time, he manages to commit eight new felonies. And is arrested 20 times."

Rieb said that Erby had not made any effort in prison to address his substance abuse issues nor did he participate in any rehabilitation programs.

Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire also wrote a letter to the CDCR about the case.

“The Department of Correction and Rehabilitation’s haste to release violent inmates is directly placing the community in danger. They’re rapidly trying to release people and seemingly without any care,” Gire said.

Here's more about the harrowing incident:

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