"This defendant killed an on-duty police officer in cold blood and in spite of his claims to the contrary, he still lacks honest insight and remorse into this heinous crime," [DA Summer] Stephan said in a release. "We appreciate the Governor's thoughtful analysis and ultimate decision to reverse parole and safeguard the public. Officer Buggs was one of the first African-American police officers in San Diego and he was a hero to his family, his law enforcement colleagues and to the entire San Diego community. We will continue to fight for justice."

Cecena has been denied parole at least 13 times, the latest being 2017, 2016, and 2014, each time citing the seriousness of his crime. The DA's office added Cecena has had an unstable social history in prison, receiving more than 10 violation reports for misconduct.

I won't deny there are some cases where a murderer may properly be paroled after both demonstrating true remorse and maintaining an exemplary record in prison, but that does not seem to be the case here. It is good to block one bad decision, but some systemic reform is needed.