California’s parole board has freed a serial child predator who terrorized eight children under age seven, leaving victims terrified he will hunt them down despite a judge once calling him a ‘monster.’
Story Highlights
- David Allen Funston, 64, convicted of kidnapping and molesting eight Sacramento children in 1995-1996, granted elderly parole after 27 years.
- Original prosecutor Anne Marie Schubert calls it the worst child predator case she prosecuted, now pushing for Sexually Violent Predator commitment.
- Victims fear retaliation, with one saying he shouldn’t breathe the same air as them; pedophilia seen as incurable.
- Governor Newsom reviewed but full board affirmed release; Funston still in Chino prison pending SVP screening.
Funston’s Horrific Crimes Against Innocent Children
David Allen Funston kidnapped and sexually assaulted eight children, all under age seven, in Sacramento suburbs during 1995-1996. A court sentenced him in 1999 to 20 years and eight months plus three consecutive 25-years-to-life terms for 16 counts of kidnapping and child molestation. Crimes involved graphic violence, weapon threats, and psychological terror on defenseless toddlers. Funston had a prior sexual assault conviction in Colorado, marking a clear pattern of predation. Victims endured lifelong scars from these attacks.
Elderly Parole Program Prioritizes Age Over Public Safety
California’s elderly parole program allows inmates over 50 who served 20 continuous years to seek release, focusing on age rather than crime severity. Funston qualified and faced initial denial in May 2022. The Board of Parole Hearings granted parole in September 2025, affirmed by the full board on February 18, 2026, after Governor Newsom’s January review referral. This program, aimed at easing prison overcrowding, now endangers communities by releasing violent sex offenders. Common sense demands protecting families from such threats over bureaucratic compassion.
This progressive reform exemplifies liberal policies that undermine justice, prioritizing criminals’ comfort while ignoring victims’ rights and public safety—frustrations many conservatives share after years of soft-on-crime agendas.
Victims and Prosecutor Fight Back Against Injustice
Anne Marie Schubert, the prosecutor who convicted Funston and later cracked the Golden State Killer case, demands Sexually Violent Predator screening. She argues his predatory intent, multiple child victims, force, lethal threats, and prepubescent assaults fit SVP criteria perfectly. Victims echo her outrage: one, abducted at age four, calls him a monster fearing retaliation; another deems the parole a disservice to Californians, insisting pedophilia never fades. Their raw pain highlights failures in protecting the innocent.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation refuses details on release plans, citing security, leaving communities in the dark about this predator’s next moves. As President Trump strengthens borders and law enforcement nationally, California’s leniency stands out as a glaring state-level betrayal of American values.
Uncertain Future Raises Alarms for Families Everywhere
As of February 24, 2026, Funston remains at California Institution for Men in Chino, pending potential SVP civil commitment that could block release to state hospitals. Governor Newsom holds override power but has not acted post-review. This case exposes elderly parole flaws for irredeemable offenders, retraumatizing victims and eroding trust in justice. It spotlights urgent need for reforms prioritizing public safety and family protection over misguided rehabilitation for monsters. Conservative principles of accountability demand change.
Sources:
California serial child molester granted parole. Victims are outraged
Serial Child Kidnapper, Molester Set for Release from Chino
Board of Parole Hearings Investigations Division
