A parole hearing was held last Friday for Sam Strange for his 1996 conviction for the brutal murders of two teenage girls, Dawn Donaldson and Chrissy Campbell in Nevada County. District Attorney Cliff Newell says Stange is serving two 16 years to life sentences for the convictions. *
Strange maintained his previous claim that he was not responsible for the murders and he only assisted in hiding the victim’s bodies after the real perpetrators threatened Strange’s family if he did not assist them. Deputy Districy Attorney James Phillips noted there was substantial evidence linking Strange to the crimes but little more than Strange’s claim to implicate anyone else. The District ATtorney says his offices gets to review the entire jacket before the parole hearing even takes place.*
Newell says these are tough cases and when the defendants refuse to accept responsibility and don’t appear to have rehabilitated he will argue strenuously against parole. *
The hearing was held at Soledad State Prison, and lasted 3 hours. The Board of Prison Terms set Strange’s next parole hearing for 2018.
Elizabeth M Hardesty
To this Day, I honestly Do Not Believe Mr.Sam Strange is guilty of Murder! We were very close friends. The courts would not let me testify to his character as a witness. Petus and gram are still committing crimes to this day. Having a Sheriff in family helped them get away with it. I miss Sam and the innocence he possessed before the town went on a witch hunt. I feel sorry for the families, the death of thier daughter, the friends and people involved. He didn't do it!
My heart cries and soul hurts knowing him and his family have paid dearly for a crime and threat made to a young man who wouldn't hurt anyone. I will go to my grave having this knowledge. God bless Sam Strange, Dad, Brother and may his mother rest in peace, we all know who Sam really was. Who ever disagrees, I am willing to take you on!