SAN DIEGO — Seth Cravens faced a California Parole Board on May 2, seeking release from prison for the first time since he was convicted of killing professional surfer Emery Kauanui in 2007. Cravens’ request for parole was denied, continuing the repercussions of a violent past that has long haunted him.
Cravens, now a prisoner at Corcoran State Prison, stood before the board, reflecting on his history of aggression and the circumstances that led him down a path of violence. He described himself as a bully who struggled with self-esteem and often sought acceptance through negative means. “I didn’t have many friends. I felt like I belonged with them,” he stated during the virtual hearing.
The fateful incident occurred on May 23, 2007, when Cravens and four other members of the Bird Rock Bandits confronted Kauanui outside his home after a bar altercation. During the escalation, Cravens threw a punch that knocked Kauanui unconscious. His head struck the pavement, leading to fatal injuries confirmed by a medical examination days later.
In 2009, Cravens was convicted of second-degree murder and received a 20-years-to-life sentence, but his conviction was challenged, leading to a legal back-and-forth. An appellate court briefly reduced the charge to voluntary manslaughter, but the California Supreme Court later reinstated the murder conviction, citing malice in Cravens’s actions.
In the months leading up to Kauanui’s murder, Cravens had a history of violent incidents, including multiple assaults and gang affiliations. Commissioner David Ndudim questioned him about a series of attacks, including one on a young woman at a house party, to which Cravens admitted he couldn’t recall due to intoxication. In prison, he found himself entrenched in gang life, which he says continued until 2019.
During the hearing, Cravens acknowledged his struggles with substance abuse, including methamphetamine and alcohol, while asserting that he has been sober since 2022. When prompted about the potential risks of his release, he hesitated before affirming his commitment to change and the belief that he would not reoffend.
Jennifer Grosso, Kauanui’s longtime girlfriend, attended the hearing to express her grief. Emotional and visibly shaken, she spoke of the lasting impact of Kauanui’s death on her life. “I’ve walked him into every space I’ve entered for 18 years,” she told the board, insisting that Cravens continue to pose a threat. “You are not ready to go home. You killed my someone,” she added, underscoring her conviction that his violence remains unresolved.
After only a brief deliberation, the parole commissioners delivered their decision, deeming Cravens unsuitable for release. Commissioner Lam emphasized the seriousness of his past actions, stating, “Your fist is a deadly weapon,” and noting a pattern of violence that couldn’t be overlooked.
The board’s ruling highlighted the need for Cravens to work on himself further before he could be considered for parole again. With a recommendation to wait three to four years, the commissioners noted that while he has made strides, more effort is needed to address the roots of his violent tendencies.