The 2027 Truth: Unpacking Higinio González Montana's Life Sentence And Parole Date

The question of Higinio González Montana's release date is one of the most searched queries in true crime circles, especially since his case was featured on the popular Netflix docuseries, I Am a Killer. As of today, December 11, 2025, the most current and definitive answer is that Higinio González, who has been serving a life sentence for a 1996 murder, will become eligible for parole consideration in 2027. This date is not a guaranteed release but marks the pivotal moment when he can first appear before the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole to argue for his freedom. The journey to this eligibility date has been a long and complex one, marked by a tragic crime committed when he was a juvenile and a subsequent 30-year statutory requirement for a life sentence in Montana.

The renewed interest in González’s case stems from his compelling appearance on Season 5, Episode 3 of the documentary, where he spoke with a remarkable degree of accountability and remorse for the fatal shooting of Eric Anthony Pavilionis. The episode, titled "Lives Lost," reignited a public debate about the nature of justice, redemption, and whether a person who committed a heinous crime as a teenager can ever truly be reformed enough for society to grant a second chance.

Higinio González Montana: A Biographical and Case Profile

Higinio González Montana's life story, as detailed in legal records and the documentary, is a complex narrative of a troubled youth culminating in a devastating act of violence. Understanding his background is crucial to grasping the gravity of his sentence and the significance of his upcoming parole hearing.

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• Full Name: Higinio González Montana (often cited as Higinio González)
• Year of Birth: Circa 1979
• Place of Birth: Wyoming, USA
• Crime Committed: Deliberate Homicide/Felony Murder (Shooting death during an attempted armed robbery)
• Victim: Eric Anthony Pavilionis (Age 27)
• Date of Crime: April 22, 1996
• Age at Crime: 16 years old
• Sentence Date: January 1997
• Sentence Imposed: Life Sentence
• Current Incarceration: Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, Montana
• Parole Eligibility Date: 2027

The Tragic Crime: The Death of Eric Anthony Pavilionis

The crime that defined Higinio González’s life occurred on April 22, 1996, in Montana. At just 16 years old, González attempted an armed robbery at a Kwik Way convenience store. During the robbery, he fatally shot the 27-year-old cashier, Eric Anthony Pavilionis, in the chest. Pavilionis was a husband and father to four daughters, and his death left his family, including his wife, Fran, devastated and continues to cause them grief to this day.

Following the homicide, González was arrested a day later. Crucially, he immediately admitted to the shooting, demonstrating an early, albeit tragic, sign of accountability. Despite his age, the severity of the offense—a felony murder—resulted in him being tried as an adult and ultimately receiving a life sentence in January 1997.

Understanding the Higinio González Montana Release Date: The 30-Year Rule

The question of "When will Higinio González be released?" is directly governed by Montana state law regarding life sentences. It is not an arbitrary date but a statutory requirement that sets the minimum time served before a life-sentenced inmate can even be considered for release.

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The Montana Parole Eligibility Statute

For a prisoner serving a life sentence in Montana, the law is clear: they are not eligible for parole until they have served a minimum of 30 years in prison. This mandatory minimum is calculated by the Prison Records department and is the key to understanding González's situation. Since he was sentenced in January 1997, the 30-year mark falls in 2027.

It is important to emphasize that 2027 is the year of parole eligibility, not a guaranteed release date. The process is lengthy and requires a thorough evaluation by the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole. The Board’s primary responsibility is to assess whether the inmate poses a risk to the community and whether they have demonstrated sufficient rehabilitation to warrant an early release from their sentence.

The Parole Consideration Process

When González becomes eligible in 2027, he will face a rigorous review process. This process typically involves:

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• Application and Review: González must formally apply for parole, and the Board will review his entire institutional history, including his behavior, disciplinary record, program involvement, and any educational or vocational achievements while incarcerated.
• Victim Input: The family of the victim, Eric Anthony Pavilionis, including his wife and daughters, will have the opportunity to provide testimony or statements to the Board. Victim impact statements carry significant weight in parole decisions.
• The Hearing: González will appear before a hearing panel of the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole. This is his chance to demonstrate his remorse, his transformation, and his plan for a successful life outside of prison.
• The Decision: The Board can either grant parole, deny parole, or defer the decision to a later date. If parole is denied, the Board will set a date for a subsequent hearing.

The Public Debate on Redemption and Release

The Netflix documentary, I Am a Killer, brought the complexities of González's case to a global audience. Viewers were struck by the stark contrast between the violent crime and the seemingly remorseful, reflective man presented in the interviews. This has fueled a significant online discussion, with many viewers advocating for his early release.

The core of the debate revolves around the concept of juvenile justice and rehabilitation. González was only 16 when he committed the murder. Proponents for his release argue that a person’s character and capacity for change at 16 are vastly different from those of an adult. They point to his decades of incarceration as a period of profound transformation and self-reflection, suggesting he has paid his debt to society and is no longer the dangerous teenager he once was.

However, the pain of the victim's family remains central to the narrative. The life sentence was imposed to reflect the profound loss of Eric Anthony Pavilionis—a life taken during a senseless act of violence. For the family, the concept of a "life sentence" means just that, and any talk of parole reopens old wounds and forces them to relive the trauma.

The Road Ahead to 2027

The next few years are critical for Higinio González Montana. His conduct in Montana State Prison, his participation in rehabilitative programs, and his ability to articulate a stable, crime-free future are all factors that will determine the outcome of his 2027 parole hearing. For the public, the case serves as a powerful illustration of the moral and legal challenges inherent in balancing justice for victims with the potential for human redemption.

While the Higinio González Montana release date is not a certainty, the year 2027 will be the first time the justice system formally considers his plea for freedom after serving his mandatory 30 years. The ultimate decision rests with the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole, who must weigh the decades of remorse against the devastating, irreversible loss of Eric Anthony Pavilionis.