A decision to grant parole to a notorious child molester has ignited fierce backlash across Sacramento County and beyond. David Allen Funston, who was convicted in 1999 for the abduction, sexual assault, and torture of eight children between the ages of 3 and 7, is set to be released after serving 27 years of a sentence initially meant to keep him in prison for life.
Funston’s case shocked the region in the mid-1990s, when he preyed on children in suburban Sacramento, luring them with toys, candy, and dolls before abducting, raping, and torturing them in his car or at a secluded location. His predatory behavior was not only horrifying but highly methodical, leaving a trail of victims whose lives were shattered by his heinous acts.
The 64-year-old was arrested and later convicted on multiple counts of kidnapping and child molestation. At his sentencing, Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Jack Sapunor had emphasized the extreme nature of his crimes, labeling Funston as “the monster parents fear the most.” Funston was handed three consecutive life sentences plus additional time to prevent any parole hearings. The verdict seemed to promise a future where he would never see freedom again. Yet, as of September 2025, he was granted parole under California’s Elderly Parole Program.
This program, initially designed to address overcrowding in the state’s prison system, allows inmates aged 60 or older who have served at least 25 years to petition for parole. It’s clear that Funston, after spending 27 years behind bars, qualified for this opportunity. Despite his violent history and the widespread belief that his crimes were so severe they should have permanently barred him from release, the parole board deemed him eligible for parole. In making their decision, they reportedly took into account his age and health, both of which were considered factors under the program’s guidelines.
The parole decision has met with overwhelming opposition. Local law enforcement, including Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper, has vehemently criticized the release. Sheriff Cooper, who has been an outspoken advocate for victims, expressed deep frustration with the decision, emphasizing the irreversible damage done to Funston’s victims and their families. “This man stole their innocence,” Cooper said in a recent statement. “How can we allow him back into society?”
Victims and their families have also voiced their anger and disbelief at the parole board’s ruling. One victim, who was only three years old when she was assaulted, said she was horrified to learn that Funston would soon be free. “This man is a monster,” she stated. “He stole my childhood, and I don’t think he deserves to ever see the outside world again.” Several other victims echoed similar sentiments, expressing their fear and trauma over his potential return to the community.
Former District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, who prosecuted Funston’s case, has also publicly condemned the decision. Schubert, who now advocates for victims’ rights, called Funston’s actions “the worst child predator case” she had ever worked on. She emphasized the brutal nature of his crimes, including the abduction of a 5-year-old girl, whom he took to a remote location, assaulted, and then left on a rural road. Schubert has appealed to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to consider Funston for evaluation under the state’s sexually violent predator program. This program could allow Funston to be placed in a state hospital rather than released back into the community if he is deemed a continued threat to public safety.
In addition to the victim outcry and criticism from law enforcement, many have questioned the fairness of California’s Elderly Parole Program. While the program was intended to help relieve prison overcrowding, critics argue that it may not be appropriate for inmates with histories of extreme violence, particularly those who have shown little remorse for their crimes. Funston’s case is a clear example of how this program, initially aimed at those with diminished physical conditions or lower security risks, might be misapplied to those whose crimes were exceptionally violent.
As of now, Funston remains incarcerated at the California Institution for Men in Chino, though details about his eventual release date and location are not public. The decision to free him has left many questioning whether the state’s parole system is truly prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens, especially children.
This controversial decision raises important issues about the balance between prison reform and public safety. While Funston may meet the criteria for elderly parole, his violent history casts doubt on whether such a person should ever be released into society. His release is a stark reminder of the need for ongoing discussions about how to handle dangerous criminals, especially when their victims remain haunted by the trauma they caused.
