Santa Cruz County family pushing to keep uncle’s killer in jail

A Santa Cruz County family is pleading for justice after their uncle’s killer is granted a commuted sentence by Governor Jerry Brown, opening the door to parole.

On Nov. 17, 1998, Kimberly LaBore and her three friends entered 58-year-old Kelly Chilcote’s home in Watsonville, where they tied him up and tortured him for hours before finally stabbing him to death.

“This wasn’t an accident, this wasn’t a drive-by, this wasn’t like a robbery gone wrong. This was deliberate,” said Heidi Murphy, the niece of the victim. “I’m sure he was terrified. It’s a horrible feeling knowing that somebody you love was terrorized like that for hours.”

The killers took Chilcote’s liquor, cash and other valuables, and afterwards, went to a hotel room in Santa Cruz to party. They ended up in Florida, where they were eventually caught and sent to prison.

But LaBore, sentenced to 60 years to life, applied for a pardon from Governor Jerry Brown, which she got last February. With her term reduced to 20 years to life, she is now eligible for parole.

“We couldn’t believe it,” said Murphy.

“It was a nightmare back in 1998. And it’s another one today,” said Don Ditlevsen, the nephew of Chilcote.

The family now wants to fight the decision, arguing LaBore is still a danger to the public. For them, it is a matter of justice for their uncle.

“I can’t believe if they decide to let her out. Has she changed? I don’t think so,” said Ditlevsen.

The parole hearing is set for Feb. 7, at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla. The family says they will be there to make their voices heard.

LaBore and her crew were also charged with the death of another unidentified man two weeks before the robbery in Watsonville.