Public Statements Will Be Sought for Parole Hearing
The family of the late Magnus White is urging the public to contact the Colorado State Board of Parole regarding an inmate.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Youth
The family of Magnus White is requesting that the public submit letters to the Colorado State Board of Parole ahead of an October 15, 2026, hearing. The hearing concerns Yeva Smilianska, who was convicted of reckless vehicular homicide in the death of 17-year-old White.
Why it matters
The family seeks to advocate against the parole release of Smilianska following her conviction for the July 2023 death of White. Engaging the public in this process is intended to influence the decision-making of the parole board regarding her future custody status.
Yeva Smilianska, identified as inmate 204149, was sentenced to four years in prison in June 2025 following her conviction for the death of 17-year-old Magnus White. Her sentence includes a mandatory three-year parole period.
The players
Magnus White
He was a 17-year-old cyclist who died after being struck by a vehicle near Boulder in 2023.
Yeva Smilianska
She is the inmate currently serving a prison sentence for the conviction of reckless vehicular homicide.
Colorado State Board of Parole
This administrative body is responsible for determining if eligible inmates can be released from custody before their sentences expire.
Colorado Department of Corrections Victim Service Unit
This agency manages communication and services for victims and their families regarding offenders in state custody.
The details
Supporters are encouraged to submit letters through a dedicated tool or email the Colorado Department of Corrections Victim Service Unit. Smilianska was denied placement in Boulder County Community Corrections earlier in 2026 and also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft in June 2026.
Timeline
Magnus White was killed in a cycling accident in July 2023.
Yeva Smilianska was convicted of reckless vehicular homicide in April 2025.
The sentencing of Yeva Smilianska occurred in June 2025.
The deadline for submitting public statements is October 8, 2026.
The parole hearing for Yeva Smilianska is scheduled for October 15, 2026.
Culture Shift
This effort reflects a growing trend of families utilizing digital tools to engage with the Colorado State Board of Parole's public comment protocols. These initiatives bridge the gap between private grief and formal state administrative processes.
Residents can influence the parole process by submitting statements before the October 8 deadline. Participating in these formal channels is the primary way for community members to support the family of the victim in this specific legal matter.
The takeaway
Public advocacy efforts regarding criminal sentencing can significantly shape the administrative review of inmate parole status. Citizens often have specific windows of opportunity to provide testimony that may be considered by state boards before final decisions are rendered.
What happens next
The deadline for public statements is October 8, 2026, followed by the parole hearing on October 15, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local advocacy and community developments on the Colorado Youth section page.
