Homer McWilliams began his 15-to-life prison term at age 23; he has now turned 50. McWilliams murdered Jeff Stewart after he walked in on Stewart with his “Old Lady.” Though Stewart’s family remains bitter towards McWilliams, they’re not opposing his parole.
During the 15 years at San Quentin he’s earned a two-year college degree and is now working on his bachelor’s degree through Ohio University. He’s clean and sober and a graduate of the Victim Offender Education Group program. McWilliams married Myriam in 1994, and she remains in his life.
In the spring of 2007 McWilliams prepared for another hearing. On the day before he was called to medical and informed he had a cancerous tumor in his leg . A specialist advised McWilliams to have his leg amputated. The next day the Parole Board found him suitable. “Having a date at this time was bitter sweet,” McWilliams said.
North Block physician Dr. Rand sought out a second opinion for McWilliams, who determined his leg could be saved. On Dec. 18, 2007, a golf ball sized tumor was removed and he started treatment. Then, the Governor again revoked his release date. “I felt irate,” said McWilliams, “but I didn’t let it stop me from my goal of being paroled. I took it in stride and concentrated on medical treatments.”
Another tumor was later discovered in the area of McWilliams’s pelvic bone. Another surgery and six weeks of radiation were completed in July 2008. A growth remains in McWilliams’s groin area and he says, “You find yourself a little bit more, looking inside and asking questions, like what if I do lose my leg and what quality of life will I have?”
In December 2008, a third release date was given. “My future looks bright,” he says, “Having cancer has made me look at things more humbly. Too many times you take things seriously when there’s nothing.”
During the period from January 2000 through June 2007, 924 Lifers have died in prison. In that same period only 140 Lifers have been paroled.
