California Parole Board to grant parole to David Allen Funston, a serial child rapist, has caused widespread anger among victims, prosecutors, and law enforcement.
• Criminal Background: David Allen Funston, aged 64, was convicted in 1999 for kidnapping and molesting eight children, aged 3 to 7, in Sacramento County. He received a harsh sentence of three consecutive life terms plus 20 years.
• Parole Decision: Funston was released under California's Elderly Parole Program, which allows inmates over 50 who have served at least 20 years to be considered for parole. His initial parole denial in May 2022 was reversed in September 2025, despite objections from Governor Gavin Newsom, who requested a review but did not override the board's decision.
• Reactions: Former prosecutor Anne Marie Schubert commented on Funston’s dangerous history and urged for him to be assessed under the Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) program to prevent his release. Law enforcement officials, including Sacramento’s Sheriff Jim Cooper, expressed outrage, emphasizing that Funston does not deserve a second chance due to the heinous nature of his crimes.
• Victim Impact: Victims like Amelia, who was only 3 when molested by Funston, worry that he poses a danger to the public. Officials reiterated that serious offenders like Funston cannot be rehabilitated and stressed the importance of protecting children.
• Concerns about Parole Process: The sheriff’s office criticized the parole program for its failure to keep the community safe, highlighting that protecting children should always be a priority.
David Allen Funston remains incarcerated, but concerns about his potential release into the community persist, with officials and victims calling for changes to the parole process to ensure public safety.
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