Family opposes parole of convicted killer

Friday, Jan. 10, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Randy Roy Howard, 42, was sentenced to life in prison with the chance of parole for his role in the murder of 71-year-old Valentine Galleron a decade ago.

Howard is scheduled to appear Feb. 24 before the state Parole Board in Clark County.

Galleron's son, David, and daughter, Mary Oppio, said Howard has not spent enough time behind bars.

"I think he should have to do another 10, unless he can make arrangements to get my dad back tomorrow," David Galleron told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

The victim's daughter said Howard should serve the entire sentence he was given.

"I feel if you commit a capital offense, you should serve every second of that sentence," Oppio said. "My dad can't go on with his life. I don't see why this man should."

Howard was one of three people convicted in the plot that was masterminded by Janine Hillman.

Authorities said Hillman, now 65, got Howard and Valerie Fuentes to kill Galleron in exchange for $2,000 and Galleron's motor home.

The three went to Galleron's home and forced him at gunpoint to sign three checks totaling $40,000. The victim was then forced into a hot tub and died of electrocution when a plugged-in television set was tossed in.

Galleron served on the Sparks City Council from 1957 to 1963 and was part owner of Reno Equipment Sales.

Howard and Fuentes took their pay off and left the Reno-area in Galleron's motor home. They were arrested in San Diego after Fuentes tried to sell the motor home to a bartender there.

Fuentes was 32 when she died in 1994 of heart problems while in prison.

Hillman is serving two life terms without parole.