Glenn County Observer
On Thursday, Aug. 18, Assistant District Attorney Ruby Neumann appeared virtually at a parole board hearing at Ironwood State Prison in Blythe to oppose the possible release of inmate Kenneth Eugene Hale.
Hale was denied release at three 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, Hale robbed at gunpoint and knifepoint Mrs. Roxy Ross, who had pulled over to help him with his broken-down vehicle. Hale carjacked Ross’s pickup and engaged in a high-speed chase from Orland into the town of Willows at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone at times.
The police chase ended when Hale blew through five intersections and struck the vehicle of Wilfred “Doc” Fox and Winona “Nona” Fox. The Foxes lost their lives as a result of the collision and Hale pled 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.
Hale’s blood alcohol content was .19 percent and he was sentenced to 25 years to life. While in prison in 1998, he attacked and nearly killed a correctional deputy, stabbing him with an inmate-manufactured weapon (“shank”), adding 17 years to his sentence.
Hale affiliated with the Nazi Low Riders gang in prison. He is now 55 years old and has served 28.5 years in prison.
The grandson of Doc and Nona, Richard Sehorn, attended the parole hearing at the district attorney’s office on Thursday 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 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 press release from the Glenn County District Attorney’s Office stated, “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.”
The release concluded, “We mourn for your loss Sehorn and Fox family and keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
The Glenn County Observer 