The judge’s decision falls within the parameters of what constitutes ‘extraordinary circumstances’. If you can point me to anything more that fits that than this case, please do.
Unfortunately, death is an ordinary circumstance. On any given day there are probably thousands of prisoners with a dying loved one.
Extraordinary circumstance would be one like donating a kidney or bone marrow in order to save the child’s life.
Also furloughs are a priviledge and may not be granted to prisoners that do not participate in rehabilitation programs like GED education and drug treatment. It is also true that the extended furlough is one that is well known for it’s walk away rate, so you can see why the warden may not wish to grant one except in the most exceptional of circumstances.
Neither you or I have access to the prisoner’s file, how would you like to be this warden being second guessed by an emotional and ignorant public inflamed by yellow journalism?