California Frees Serial Child Predator

California’s parole board freed a serial child predator who terrorized eight children under age seven, leaving victims terrified he will hunt them down again.

Story Highlights

David Allen Funston, convicted of 16 counts 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, demanding Sexually Violent Predator commitment.
Victims express raw fear of retaliation, with one saying he shouldn’t breathe the same air as them.
Governor Newsom reviewed but full board affirmed release, raising alarms about soft-on-crime reforms.
Funston remains in Chino prison pending release, as CDCR hides timeline for “security reasons.”

Funston’s Horrific Crimes and Conviction

David Allen Funston kidnapped and sexually assaulted eight children, all under age seven, in Sacramento suburbs during 1995-1996. He used graphic violence, weapons, and psychological terror on his prepubescent victims. A prior sexual assault conviction in Colorado marked his pattern of predation. In 1999, a jury convicted him on 16 counts of kidnapping and child molestation. The judge sentenced him to 20 years and 8 months plus three consecutive 25-years-to-life terms, reflecting the crimes’ severity.

Elderly Parole Program Sparks Outrage

California’s elderly parole program allows inmates over 50 who served 20 years to seek release, prioritizing age over crime gravity. Funston qualified and faced denial in May 2022. The Board of Parole Hearings reversed course in September 2025, granting parole despite his history. Governor Gavin Newsom referred the case for full board review in January 2026. On February 18, 2026, the full board affirmed the decision, prioritizing “compassionate release” over victim safety.

Former prosecutor Anne Marie Schubert, who later cracked the Golden State Killer case, blasted the ruling. She sent a letter to CDCR requesting Sexually Violent Predator screening, citing Funston’s predatory intent, multiple victims, force, lethal threats, and child offenses. Victims echoed her fury, retraumatized by the prospect of his freedom.

Victims’ Heartbreaking Testimonies

One victim, kidnapped at age four, labeled Funston a “monster” and fears he will track down old victims to kill them. Another declared the parole a “huge disservice to all Californians,” insisting pedophilia is an incurable illness. Victims relive daily trauma, demanding justice over bureaucratic mercy. Schubert reinforced their stance, arguing the program fails public safety when applied to unrepentant predators like Funston.

California’s Soft Reforms Threaten Families

As President Trump restores law and order nationally, California’s progressive parole expansions expose families to danger. The elderly program, born from prison overcrowding fixes, now releases violent sex offenders based on age alone. This erodes accountability and ignores recidivism risks for child predators. Victims and law enforcement urge Newsom to override, but his inaction signals continued government overreach favoring criminals over citizens.

Funston sits at California Institution for Men in Chino as of February 24, 2026, with no release date announced. CDCR cites security to withhold details, fueling public distrust. Schubert’s SVP push offers last hope to civilly commit him, preventing street release. This case spotlights reform failures, demanding tougher protections for children and families against lifelong threats.