Sen. Drazan: Right choice in denying parole for child killer

Drazan: Denying Parole for Convicted Child Killer Is the Right Outcome, But Oregon Law Must Change
By Oregon State Senator Christine Drazan,

SALEM, Ore. – Following the parole board decision denying parole to convicted child rapist and murderer Dustin Wallace, Senator Christine Drazan (R-Canby) released the following statement.

Wallace was convicted for the 2010 rape and murder of 5-year-old Sahara Dwight in Roseburg and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Drazan attended Wednesday’s hearing in Salem, where the parole board denied his release.

“Today’s decision is a victory for Sahara’s family, but they should never have been forced to relive this nightmare in the first place. This hearing was the direct result of Kate Brown’s reckless decision to put dangerous criminals on a path to early release. As Governor, I will do everything in my power to keep dangerous offenders behind bars, stand unapologetically with victims and protect community safety.”

In 2021, former Governor Kate Brown commuted the sentences of dozens of convicted murderers and other violent offenders, making them eligible for parole hearings under Senate Bill 1008. Wallace’s case is one of those cases.

A copy of Senator Drazan’s testimony submitted on May 22nd to the parole board can be found here.