Convicted rapist and killer sues Texas

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A man convicted of raping and killing an Austin girl in 1982 is suing the state, claiming parole officials are putting unreasonable limitations on his ability to reintegrate into society. Raul Meza is out of prison on mandatory supervision release but told a federal judge that he is not being allowed to complete the tasks necessary to leave the Travis County Correctional Complex in Del Valle, where he is being held. One of the Meza's requirements to leave is finding a job. During his testimony before Judge Lee Yeakel,  Meza said he is being denied due process.

"They keep trying to make it difficult for me," said Meza.

Meza said he submitted between eight and nine applications for jobs to the parole board and was only allowed to interview for three. Meza said the board was putting impossible restrictions on him.

Meza sexually assaulted and killed Kendra Page, 8, in Southeast Austin 26 years ago when he was 22 years old. Despite a three-year sentence, he was parolled in 1993 and returned to prison after a curfew violation.

"We gave him a second chance back then," said the victim's sister Tracy Page. "He is a danger. Child predators cannot be rehabilitated."

Meza's attorneys are with the Texas Civil Rights Project. Wednesday's testimony wrapped up at noon, though the court will not come back until Nov. 17 at 1:30 p.m. for the last bit of testimony. Yeakel is not expected to rule until a later date.