Orange County serial killer denied parole; cannot reapply until 2021

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- Parole was denied for Brett Thomas, a man considered to be one of the worst serial killers in Orange County History. He won't be able to reapply for parole until 2021.

In 1977, then 18-year-old Thomas and accomplice Mark Titch went on a nine-day killing spree. The pair murdered four innocent strangers during robbery or burglary attempts in the county.

Thomas, now 56, was up for parole, but prosecutors and the victim's families traveled to San Diego to fight to keep him in prison.

The Orange County District Attorney said while in prison, Thomas has violated nearly 60 rules, including many that are drug-related or for violence.

In 2008, Marsy's Law was passed, which gives victim's family members more input during the parole process. The law was sponsored by Broadcom executive Henry Nicholas after his sister Marsy was murdered.

Because of the provisions in the law, the parole board has the option to defer a parole hearing for up to 15 years instead of five.