Valuetainment

Horrific Child Molester Could Get Parole Under California Law

In 2018, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1319, part of the state’s criminal justice reform efforts. Known as the Elderly Parole Program, the law allows inmates who are at least 50 years old and have served 20 years in prison to be considered for parole. One case that has drawn significant attention is David Funstead. He was 17 when he committed horrific crimes, including kidnapping and child molestation, with multiple victims, including a 5-year-old girl. He was sentenced to three life terms in prison. Under the Elderly Parole Program, Funstead recently became eligible for a parole hearing. However, additional charges were brought against him, effectively halting the parole process and keeping him behind bars for now. This case has sparked debate over criminal justice reform and the balance between rehabilitation and public safety.