Dear LARFPA Member,
We are asking each of you to consider submitting a letter opposing the parole of Louis Belvin, Jr. (CDCR #H33133), whose parole hearing is scheduled for October 8, 2026. Because the hearing is less than a month away, you must send your letter this week.
Belvin is serving a prison term stemming from the murder of LAPD Officer James “Jim” Pagliotti, Serial No. 23719, who was killed in the line of duty on June 22, 1987.
Officer Pagliotti was assigned to a Metropolitan Division surveillance detail investigating burglary suspects in the San Fernando Valley. He worked alone, in plain clothes, and drove an unmarked vehicle. During the surveillance, the suspects entered a Sylmar cul-de-sac, and Officer Pagliotti was the only member of the surveillance detail who followed them onto the street.
At the same time, other Metropolitan Division surveillance officers were positioned on an adjoining street, where two armed suspects unrelated to the original investigation were observed on foot. The officers believed the suspects were armed and potentially preparing to approach them. As the armed suspects approached, a Metro partner radioed his observations to the other officers.
Recognizing the danger to his fellow officers, Officer Pagliotti abandoned his surveillance and drove a short distance to assist his partners. As the other Metro officers contacted one of the suspects, Officer Pagliotti exited his vehicle, identified himself, and engaged Louis Belvin. A gunfight followed. Both Officer Pagliotti and Belvin were wounded; Officer Pagliotti later died of his wounds. Belvin fled the scene but was arrested shortly after. A Metro partner engaged Belvin’s accomplice, Thomas Mixon, and took him into custody.
Officer Pagliotti made the ultimate sacrifice while doing what police officers are trained and sworn to do: protect their fellow officers and the public.
Your letter does not need to be lengthy. What is important is that the Board of Parole Hearings hears directly from members of the law-enforcement community and those who understand the seriousness of the crime, the circumstances surrounding Officer Pagliotti’s death, and the continuing threat to public safety posed by the inmate.
In years past, opposition letters have helped ensure that inmates remain incarcerated. We must keep making our voices heard and give the Board meaningful reasons to deny parole.
Respectfully,
LARFPA Board of Directors
Sample Opposition Letter
The following is sample language that you may personalize and use as the basis for your own letter:
Board of Parole Hearings:
I am writing to strongly oppose the parole of Louis Belvin, Jr., CDCR #H33133, whose hearing is scheduled for October 8, 2026.
I believe Mr. Belvin should remain incarcerated. The circumstances surrounding the murder of LAPD Officer James Pagliotti, Serial No. 23719, demonstrate the extraordinary seriousness and violence of his conduct and the danger that was created for law-enforcement officers and the public.
On June 22, 1987, Officer Pagliotti was working a Metropolitan Division surveillance assignment in the San Fernando Valley. When he learned that fellow officers were confronting armed suspects, he abandoned his surveillance and went to their aid. Officer Pagliotti identified himself and became involved in an exchange of gunfire with Louis Belvin. Both men were wounded, and Belvin fled the scene before being apprehended.
Officer Pagliotti was performing his duty and responding to a threat against his fellow officers when his life was taken.
I am particularly concerned about the continuing threat to public safety posed by Mr. Belvin’s release. The Board should consider not only the passage of time, but also the nature and circumstances of the offense, the violence involved, and whether compelling evidence shows he can safely return to the community.
A prison sentence resulting from the murder of a police officer should not be treated simply as a matter of how many years have passed. The consequences of Officer Pagliotti’s death have continued for his family, his fellow officers, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the community he served.
I respectfully ask the Board of Parole Hearings to deny parole for Louis Belvin, Jr. and to consider the safety of the public.
Thank you for considering my opposition to his release.
Respectfully,
[Name]
[Former rank/title, if desired]
[Years of service, if desired]
Clickable Letter to Edit in Word:
Letters may be emailed to:
BPH.CorrespondenceUnit@cdcr.ca.gov
Please include the following information in your email:
Inmate: Louis Belvin, Jr.
CDCR #: H33133
Parole Hearing Date: October 8, 2026
A letter may also be submitted by mail to:
Board of Parole Hearings
P.O. Box 4036
Sacramento, CA 95812-4036
Thank you for taking the time to support Officer James Pagliotti, his family, his fellow officers, and the continued safety of our communities.