CONVICTED MURDER GREGORY JOYNER RELEASE DATE SET FOR APRIL 2, 2021
Yesterday the Virginia Department of Corrections notified Sarah Jamison’s surviving family of the April 2, 2021 release date of Sarah’s murderer, Gregory Joyner. On November 23, 2020, the Jamison family was first notified that the Virginia Parole Board granted Gregory Joyner early release in the form of parole.
Joyner was convicted by a jury on April 5, 1989 of the first-degree murder and attempted rape of 15 year old Sarah Jamison that occurred in the City of Lynchburg. Joyner admitted that he strangled Jamison to death on May 15, 1988 after he claimed he had consensual sex with her. He then buried her body in a wooded area near her parent’s home. Sarah’s remains were found 2 weeks after the killing. On June 9, 1989, Joyner was sentenced to life plus 10 years in prison, the maximum sentences for the offenses of first-degree murder and attempted rape respectively.
Joyner is to live in the Petersburg, Virginia area. He will be subject to supervision through the District 7 Probation and Parole Office and must register with the Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry. The Department of Corrections Regional Victim Advocate successfully secured a prohibition of travel to Lynchburg as a term of his parole supervision. This travel ban does not operate as a new violation of law wherein Joyner could be arrested for traveling to Lynchburg. However, if he is seen in the Lynchburg area, this can be reported to the Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Office. Our office can then report the violation of his supervision terms to his parole officer.
Bethany Harrison, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Lynchburg commented on the news of Joyner’s release:
After the news that Joyner was granted parole, Sarah Jamison’s family knew the day would come when Joyner would be released. Thankfully the family had time to prepare themselves mentally and emotionally for this date. However, the family and I remain absolutely opposed to his release. Joyner was tried by a jury and convicted of Murder and Attempted Rape. He received a sentence of Life plus 10
years. He has made no public expression of remorse. We have no information that he has changed in any way. After reading the transcripts of his interviews and the statements of the witnesses in this murder case, one fact remained clear: Gregory Joyner is a cold-blooded killer. I pray that he has changed. Citizens of this Commonwealth should not have to live in fear that he hasn’t. I renew my call for more transparency and accountability of the Virginia Parole Board.
###