Kim Kardashian called for temporarily release of imprisoned Uvalde father so he could attend daughter's funeral

American socialite and media personality Kim Kardashian called on lawmakers to temporarily release the father of a Uvalde shooting victim so that he can attend her funeral, which was held Thursday, June 2 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 

According to a report from WYMT News, 10-year-old Eliahna “Ellie” Cruz Torres was one of the 19 students who were killed in the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas last week.

Her father, Eli Torres, is currently incarcerated at the McCreary United States Penitentiary and was recently denied compassionate release. He is currently serving a 25-year sentence in a federal prison in Kentucky for drug trafficking and conspiracy.

“Her family are desperately hoping that her father, who is incarcerated for a nonviolent drug offense, be granted temporary release so that he can attend her funeral. So far their requests have been denied,” Kardashian wrote in a Facebook post.

“I ask the Federal Bureau of Prisons to grant Eli Torres temporary release so that he can say his last goodbye to his baby girl. Every parent deserves that right.”

In recent years, Kardashian has become a vocal public advocate for prison reform, often calling for the release of prisoners who are locked up for minor drug offenses.

After his application for temporary leave to attend his daughter’s funeral was denied, Torres told the Houston Chronicle that “the days and nights, they’re dark.”

“I can’t see no light,” he added.

Torres was reportedly an active father in Eliahna’s life despite being behind bars most of her life, according to family. He taught her some softball fundamentals and urged her to always stay positive, reports the Chronicle.

Kentucky state Rep. Attica Scott had even written to President Joe Biden on his behalf, begging him to intervene.

“If Eliahna’s father’s rehabilitation record and behavior as an inmate would merit, this family would greatly appreciate him being able to unite with them as they mourn the loss of their family member,” reads the letter.

Torres said he is still processing his daughter’s death and weighing it against the choices that sent him to prison, unable to attend her funeral.

“The choices I made, it cost me,” he said.

“I could have prevented this from happening, somehow, some way, as a father. … I could have stopped it somehow. Protected her.”