Retired Investigators Oppose Possible Release of Convicted Child Kidnapper

Former law enforcement officials who worked the 1995 Sacramento case say the offender poses a long-term threat to children.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Retired law enforcement officials who helped investigate and prosecute a Sacramento serial child kidnapper are deeply concerned about the possibility that he could be released from prison under California's elderly parole program. The case dates back to 1995, when a witness saw the man, David Funston, approach and lure two young girls toward his car. Funston was later found to have kidnapped and sexually abused seven children over several months. Retired investigators argue the parole policy should exclude offenders convicted of serial child sexual abuse, as they believe Funston poses a long-term threat to children.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around parole policies and the potential risks of releasing violent child predators, even decades later. Retired investigators and prosecutors involved in the case fear that if Funston is released, he may reoffend and potentially commit even more serious crimes against children.

The details

In 1995, a witness named Nancy Honeycutt saw Funston approach and lure two young girls, ages 5 and 6, toward his car in Sacramento. Honeycutt called 911, and Funston released the girls after driving a short distance. Investigators later determined that Funston had kidnapped and sexually abused seven children over several months. Retired investigators who worked the case, including Detective Steve Hill, Detective Maryl Lee Cranford Babcock, FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Rinek, and lead investigator Richard Aromando, are now deeply concerned about the possibility of Funston's release under California's Elderly Parole Release program.

  • In 1995, Funston approached and lured two young girls toward his car in Sacramento.
  • Funston was later found to have kidnapped and sexually abused seven children over several months.

The players

David Funston

A convicted serial child kidnapper and abuser who is being considered for release under California's Elderly Parole Release program.

Nancy Honeycutt

A witness who saw Funston approach and lure two young girls toward his car in 1995, prompting her to call 911.

Steve Hill

A retired detective who worked missing persons cases for the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.

Maryl Lee Cranford Babcock

A retired detective from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Child Abuse Bureau.

Jeffrey Rinek

A retired FBI Special Agent who worked the case.

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What they’re saying

“A person like Funston, who has this personal need and desire to be with a child, should never be free in society. The fact that he was going to be on parole meant there would definitely be more victims.”

— Jeffrey Rinek, Retired FBI Special Agent (fox40.com)

“My fear is that if he gets out, he's going to say, 'I'm not going to make that mistake again by letting her live so she could talk about what I did.'”

— Sam Gault, Retired child abuse detective and lead investigator on the case (fox40.com)

“Sadly, this situation is an exposure of the failures of our system. But it's also an opportunity for us to say this is just not right and let's all galvanize together and change it.”

— Anne Marie Schubert, Former Sacramento County District Attorney (fox40.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow David Funston to be released on parole.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around parole policies and the potential risks of releasing violent child predators, even decades later. Retired investigators and prosecutors involved in the case fear that if Funston is released, he may reoffend and potentially commit even more serious crimes against children.