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Corcoran Today
By the People, for the People
Ex-Lomita Restaurateur Who Cooked Wife's Body Loses Latest Parole Bid
David Robert Viens is serving 15 years to life for the 2009 killing of his wife, Dawn.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:52pm
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The grim details of this domestic homicide case continue to haunt the victim's family as the perpetrator seeks parole.Corcoran TodayDavid Robert Viens, a former Lomita restaurateur who admitted to binding his wife with duct tape, panicking when he found her dead, and then cooking her body for four days to dispose of the remains, has been denied parole for the third time. Viens, now 62 years old, is serving a 15-year-to-life sentence at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran, California.
Why it matters
This case highlights the disturbing details of a brutal domestic homicide and the ongoing impact on the victim's family. It also raises questions about the parole process and whether Viens has truly rehabilitated himself during his time in prison.
The details
In October 2009, Viens killed his wife, Dawn, by binding her with duct tape. He told investigators that he woke up to find her dead and then proceeded to cook her body for four days to dispose of the remains, mixing what was left with garbage at his restaurant. Viens was convicted of her murder in 2013 and is now serving a 15-year-to-life sentence. During his latest parole hearing, Viens acknowledged his actions and expressed remorse, but a two-person parole board panel determined that he is 'not yet suitable for parole'.
- In October 2009, Viens killed his wife, Dawn.
- In March 2011, Viens confessed to sheriff's detectives about killing and cooking his wife's body.
- In March 2013, Viens was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for his wife's murder.
- In 2024, Viens had his previous parole bid rejected.
- On April 2, 2026, Viens had his latest parole bid rejected for another 3 years.
The players
David Robert Viens
A former Lomita restaurateur who is serving a 15-year-to-life sentence for the 2009 killing of his wife, Dawn.
Dawn Viens
The wife of David Robert Viens, who was killed by her husband in 2009.
Commissioner David Long
The parole board commissioner who denied Viens' latest parole bid, stating that he is 'not yet suitable for parole'.
Steven Weiss
The deputy district attorney who argued that Viens should not be granted parole.
What they’re saying
“I took Dawn's life. I know they're hurting every day because of what I've done.”
— David Robert Viens
“I feel horrible for what I've done. I know the harm that I've caused. … I believe I'm no longer a threat to anybody.”
— David Robert Viens
What’s next
The parole board will reconsider Viens' case in three years.
The takeaway
This disturbing case highlights the lasting trauma and impact on victims' families when domestic violence escalates to murder. It also raises questions about the parole process and whether Viens has truly rehabilitated himself during his time in prison.
