Oregon parole board OKs possible release of killer in double murder

PORTLAND — The Oregon parole board on Thursday signaled support for the eventual release of one of the men convicted in the notorious double murder of a Central Oregon couple during a home invasion robbery over three decades ago.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision concluded Mark Wilson, 50, is “likely to be rehabilitated” and scheduled an April hearing to determine his projected parole date.

The final step involves a separate exit interview when the board will determine whether Wilson will be released.

In its rehabilitation finding, the board noted Wilson’s efforts to take part in prison programs, his work record and effort to stay out of trouble.

Wilson was 18 when he shot Rod Houser, 53, 20 times with a rifle on the porch of the couple’s Terrebonne house. Co-defendant Randy Guzek shot Lois Houser, 49, with a revolver in the head, heart and stomach after finding her inside the home screaming.

Wilson and Guzek then looted the house and made efforts to make it look like a cult killing before fleeing.

Wilson confessed to the killing and pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and murder. He was sentenced in 1988 to two consecutive life terms with the possibility of parole.

Guzek was convicted of aggravated murder and is on death row.

The Housers’ daughter, Sue Shirley, said the parole board’s decision left her “sickened and saddened.”