PAROLE GRANTED!

Today, Assistant District Attorney Ruby Neumann virtually appeared at a parole board hearing at Ironwood State Prison in Blythe, California to oppose the possible release of Inmate Kenneth Eugene Hale. Inmate Hale was denied release at 3 previous parole hearings in 2014, 2017, and 2019 and was given direction each time on programming and steps to take to be found suitable for release on parole.

In February of 1994, Inmate Hale robbed at gunpoint and knifepoint Mrs. Roxy Ross, who had pulled over to help him with his broken down vehicle. Inmate Hale carjacked Mrs. Ross’s pickup and engaged in a high speed chase from Orland into the town of Willows exceeding 100 MPH in a 25 MPH zone at times. The police chase ended when Inmate Hale blew through 5 intersections and struck the vehicle of Mr. Wilfred "Doc" Fox and Mrs. Winona "Nona" Fox. Mr. and Mrs. Fox lost their lives as a result of the collision and Inmate Hale plead guilty to both of their murders. Mrs. Fox was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Fox was transported to Glenn General Hospital, then air flighted to Enloe Hospital and was pronounced dead during an hour long painful surgery. Inmate Hale's BAC was .19% and he was sentenced to 25 years to life. While in prison in 1998, Inmate Hale attacked and nearly killed a correctional deputy stabbing him with an inmate manufactured weapon "shank" adding 17 years to his sentence. Inmate Hale affiliated with the Nazi Low Riders gang in prison. Inmate Hale is now 55 years old and has served 28.5 years in prison.

Doc Fox and Nona's grandson, Richard Sehorn, attended the parole hearing at the DA's office today and articulated a passionate and professional victim impact statement of this immeasurable loss to the Fox family and the Glenn County community. The parole board deliberated for about half an hour and rendered the decision to grant parole stating Inmate Hale was not an unreasonable risk or threat to the public safety. The parole board noted this decision does not minimize the conduct resulting in the grave loss of lives due to the inmate's actions. This decision is not final and under review for up to 30 days by the Governor's office. The People thank Mr. Sehorn for attending this hearing alongside ADA Neumann and Victim Witness Advocate Vicky White and for the dignity and sincerity of his well spoken words honoring his grandparents' legacy. We mourn for your loss Sehorn and Fox family and keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time