BRANSON (MO)
Branson Trilakes News [Hollister MO]
July 12, 2024
By Jason Wert
The man convicted and sentenced to life in prison for molesting children over a series of years at Kanakuk will have a parole
hearing in September.
Pete Newman was convicted of seven felony counts related to sexually abusing boys while he was a counselor at Kanakuk. He
was sentenced in 2010 to two life terms plus 30 years, served concurrently, and is currently in the Jefferson City Correctional
Center. Under Missouri Law, the way Newman’s sentences were structured allows him to seek parole after serving 1⁄3 of his total
sentence.
Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, the sister of one of Newman’s victims who committed suicide as a result of the abuse suffered at
Newman’s hands, gave Branson Tri-Lakes News a copy of a letter from the Missouri Department of Corrections informing
victims and their families of Newman’s upcoming parole hearing on September 25, 2024.
She also released the statement she’s sending to the parole board to the newspaper.
“What the parole board needs to understand is that the two life terms plus 30 years Newman was sentenced to in 2010 was in
response to only on a small percentage of the victims who were identified at that time,” Phillips wrote. “In my eyes, Pete
Newman is not just a felon who should remain behind bars, but a murderer. He butchered the souls of boys with his deceit and
abuse, some even to their graves. The devastation of Pete Newman’s criminal behavior is incalculable and ongoing. I cannot get
my brother back, but I can plead with you to keep kids safe and show victims that the state of Missouri cares about their
suffering more than this convicted felon’s freedom.”
Logan Yandell, a victim of Newman’s who is currently suing Kanakuk for fraud related to the abuse he suffered at the camp,
released his own statement on social media which he said he will be sending to the parole board.
“The prospect of Peter Newman’s release is deeply concerning, not out of fear for myself, but for the safety of others,” Yandell
wrote. “He has taken so much from me and countless others, and the notion that he could regain his freedom while we
continue to grapple with the consequences is a stark reminder of the need for accountability. Justice must be upheld to ensure
the gravity of his crimes is fully recognized.
“I implore you to consider the lasting impact of Peter Newman’s actions on my life and the lives of countless other victims. My
plea is not born out of a desire for revenge, but out of a need for justice and community safety. The decision made here today
will affect not only my future but also the future of other children who may be at risk if he is released.”
Community leaders are also speaking out against Newman receiving parole. State Representative Brian Seitz (R-156) called for a
denial of parole in a letter he released on Wednesday, July 10.
“I have met some of the now adult survivors of the heinous acts, as well as the family members of victims who took their own
lives,” Seitz wrote. “There’s no rehabilitative process that can restore life to these victims and those who continue in mental
anguish over Newman’s monstrous acts. I will be reaching out to Governor Parson to help ensure Newman’s parole denial.”
Phillips is organizing community members to send letters to the parole board to try and ensure Newman is not released from
prison. She says anyone from the community who wants to object to the parole can send a letter to Julie.Loveall@doc.mo.gov
by September 24, 2024.