We ask the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles to deny parole to Colvin C. Hinton, III, a confessed kidnapper, rapist and murderer. When Hinton kidnapped, raped and murdered Emory University sophomore Shannon Melendi on March 26, 1994, he already had been a convicted sexual predator. In 1982, Hinton was convicted of assault, kidnapping, and taking indecent liberties with a minor and was sentenced to 4 years in prison, but only served 2 years as he was released for "good behavior."

Hinton has proven to be a repeat offender who will continue to hurt others if given the chance. He must stay in prison.

The lifetime of unspeakable pain and suffering Hinton has brought to Shannon’s family, friends and community must be noted. It took 11 years following Shannon’s disappearance before Hinton – long the prime suspect – was taken to trial for Shannon’s murder. Eleven agonizing years. It was only after Hinton was convicted in 2005 and his appeal denied in 2006 that he finally confessed to kidnapping, brutally raping and murdering Shannon.

Had Hinton not been released from prison in 1984 Shannon would have had the chance to live a life that’s the stuff of dreams. A pursuit we all deserve.

Shannon Melendi was a 19-year-old Emory University student, a natural born leader who grew up in South Florida. In high school, she served as junior and senior class president, Captain of the debate team, played on the soccer team, ran cross-country, and served as a Legal Eagle, where she spoke before the UN and the US Congress. She hoped to become a Navy JAG attorney, with a dream of one day serving as a Justice on the United States Supreme Court. She attended Emory University on a grant.

Always the go-getter, Shannon was working a part-time job as a scorekeeper at a softball game when she vanished during her lunch break on Saturday, March 26, 1994. The umpire at the game was Colvin C. “Butch” Hinton, III, who confessed to targeting Shannon that day, luring her away during their lunch break and tying her up in his home before killing her and disposing of her remains.

Shannon’s body has never been found.

Hinton was a sexual predator who tried to blend in among others in the community. He appeared to be a church-going family man. But long before Shannon’s murder, Colvin C. Hinton, III, had a three-time record of kidnapping, assault and rape, including on members of his own family. One of his victims was 14-year-old Tammy Singleton: He kidnapped her, tied her up in his basement and as he tried to attack the girl, his first-wife happened to walk in and catch him in the act. If he had been kept in prison for this crime, Shannon would be alive today.

In 2005, when Hinton was found GUILTY of murdering Shannon Melendi, he was sentenced to life in prison, with a chance for parole. Please do not let this murderer out of prison. Please give Shannon’s family, friends, and our community peace of mind, to know that her killer will remain behind bars where he rightfully belongs.   

I respectfully request you deny parole to kidnapper, rapist, and murderer, Colvin C. Hinton, III (GDC ID #0001201616).