A sexual abuse victim gave heart-wrenching testimony to state lawmakers, begging them at a committee hearing to fix what she called “a terrible law” by California Democrats that lets elderly criminals qualify for early parole hearing.
Lawmakers are facing public outrage after the law paved way for approving the release of serial child rapist David Allen Funston in February. Funston reportedly kidnapped and molested at least eight children — seven girls and one boy.
One of those victims appeared Tuesday in front of lawmakers, who later advanced a bill that would limit who would be eligible for an elderly parole hearing to those ages 65 and above. The “terrible law” had loosened that requirement to ages 50 and over.
The victim, who only was identified as Terena, recounted to legislators “one of the worst days of my life” through many tears and tissues.
She was 7 years old, playing outside, when she was approached by Funston. Funston approached her with a necklace, then asked to take a picture. She didn’t approach him. He left and came back and approached her with candy. He touched her, even though she still moved away.
“He was able to eventually lure me into a laundry room where he asked to see my bottom and quickly attempted to pull down my pants,” Terena said.
She fled and returned to her mother, Terena recounted, while she took long pauses at times to compose herself.
“Now 30 years later I’m hearing that my real-life boogeyman is able to get released early,” she said, noting she has a child now.
“He will never stop hurting children. He is dangerous he will always be dangerous. Please fix this terrible law,” she added.
Funston was 64 when he was granted parole.
Lawmakers praised her courage for showing up to testify. The legislation authored by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D) heads to another committee, as lawmakers have until end of August to send bills over to the governor.
