Neal Evans, convicted of killing Atlanta Braves Pitcher Dave Shotkoski, released from prison

SOUTH BAY, Fla. - In 1995, Felicia and Dave Shotkoski had recently brought a little girl into the world.  A little girl whose father was killed in a botched robbery by Neal Evans also known as "Thousand" at the time.

The 47-year-old was released Tuesday from the South Bay Correctional Facility.

"They put a convicted murderer on the streets, knowingly put a convicted murderer on the streets," Felicia said over the phone from her Chicago home.

The Atlanta Braves relief pitcher who was attending spring training was killed in a botched robbery in March of '95 in front of a West Palm Beach hotel.

In 1997, Evans was convicted of second degree murder.

"He changed our lives," Felicia said. "Unfortunately. I and my daughter's have to live with this our whole life."

Evans received a 27 year sentence back then and 17 years later, the Florida Department of Corrections released him because he earned gain time.  Those are days earned for staying out of trouble in prison.

"It's basically a slap in everybody's face personally," Shotkoski's widow said. "In 10 years, he's off probation.  He doesn't have to anything to live with."

She said people walking on the streets of West Palm Beach and Chicago are all potential victims of repeat offenders because of the judicial system.

What hurts Felicia even more is that his long list of crimes were known when he was arrested.

He had a number of convictions including kidnapping, armed robbery and burglary.

Tuesday's early release is his 5th early release from prison since 1990.

"Our justice system doesn't make sense," she said. "They're suppose to protect people's rights and safety, yet it seems to save the criminals rights over the victims."

A problem she says has to change.

"(Evans) did what he could do to us 17 years ago," Felicia said. "I don't want another family to be victims to someone like him and it's going to happen every day until something changes."

The Department of Corrections says Evans is going to be living in Riviera Beach with a friend while finishing his probation.