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News Release

06-04-26 Statement From DA & Commissioner Boice About Wallace Hearing (Photo) - 06/04/26

A Joint Release from Douglas County District Attorney Rick Wesenberg and Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 4, 2026

 

Statement from Douglas County District Attorney and Douglas County

Commissioner Boice Regarding Denial of Parole for Dustin Wallace 

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Yesterday, the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision denied parole for convicted murder and child rapist Dustin Wallace following a lengthy and emotional hearing concerning the 2010 rape and murder of five-year-old Sahara Dwight. During the hearing, Wallace himself acknowledged that he was not ready to return to society, and the Board ultimately determined that parole was not appropriate at this time.  The Board also determined that he would not be eligible for another hearing for ten years, the max allowed by statute.

 

Wallace was convicted in 2010 for the heinous murder and rape of 5-year-old Saraha Dwight in Roseburg,

Oregon.  He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.  However, in 2021, then Governor Kate Brown chose to commute the sentences of several convicted murders and other violent offenders under Senate Bill 1008, making them eligible for parole.  Wallace’s case was one of those that was commuted. 

 

The Douglas County District Attorney Rick Wesenberg and Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice attended the hearing along with Representative Virgle Osborne, Senator Christine Drazen, and Senator David Brock-Smith.  They support the Board's decision and commend the courage of Sahara Dwight's family and loved ones who have continued to advocate for justice throughout this difficult and unnecessary process.  

 

“No decision can restore what was taken from Sahara's family or erase the profound grief this tragedy has caused. The brutal murder of this innocent child remains one of the most heartbreaking and impactful crimes in Douglas County's history. Today's decision acknowledges the gravity of that crime and reinforces the importance of protecting our community. While we are grateful that public safety was carefully considered, Sahara's family should never have been forced to relive this painful chapter through the parole process,” stated Douglas County District Attorney Rick Wesenberg.

 

We are grateful to the victims' advocates, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and community members who have remained committed to ensuring that the voice of the victim was heard throughout this process.  Our thoughts and prayers remain with Sahara's family. Their strength, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to honoring her memory continue to inspire our community.

 

“Douglas County will always stand with victims and their families. We remain committed to protecting public safety, supporting survivors, and ensuring accountability within Oregon's criminal justice system,” stated Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice.

 

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Media Contacts: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

Attached Media Files: 06-04-26StatementfromDACommissionerBoiceaboutWallaceHearing.pdf,

06-04-26 Statement From DA & Commissioner Boice About Wallace Hearing (Photo) - 06/04/26

A Joint Release from Douglas County District Attorney Rick Wesenberg and Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 4, 2026

 

Statement from Douglas County District Attorney and Douglas County

Commissioner Boice Regarding Denial of Parole for Dustin Wallace 

 

(Douglas County, Ore.) Yesterday, the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision denied parole for convicted murder and child rapist Dustin Wallace following a lengthy and emotional hearing concerning the 2010 rape and murder of five-year-old Sahara Dwight. During the hearing, Wallace himself acknowledged that he was not ready to return to society, and the Board ultimately determined that parole was not appropriate at this time.  The Board also determined that he would not be eligible for another hearing for ten years, the max allowed by statute.

 

Wallace was convicted in 2010 for the heinous murder and rape of 5-year-old Saraha Dwight in Roseburg,

Oregon.  He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.  However, in 2021, then Governor Kate Brown chose to commute the sentences of several convicted murders and other violent offenders under Senate Bill 1008, making them eligible for parole.  Wallace’s case was one of those that was commuted. 

 

The Douglas County District Attorney Rick Wesenberg and Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice attended the hearing along with Representative Virgle Osborne, Senator Christine Drazen, and Senator David Brock-Smith.  They support the Board's decision and commend the courage of Sahara Dwight's family and loved ones who have continued to advocate for justice throughout this difficult and unnecessary process.  

 

“No decision can restore what was taken from Sahara's family or erase the profound grief this tragedy has caused. The brutal murder of this innocent child remains one of the most heartbreaking and impactful crimes in Douglas County's history. Today's decision acknowledges the gravity of that crime and reinforces the importance of protecting our community. While we are grateful that public safety was carefully considered, Sahara's family should never have been forced to relive this painful chapter through the parole process,” stated Douglas County District Attorney Rick Wesenberg.

 

We are grateful to the victims' advocates, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and community members who have remained committed to ensuring that the voice of the victim was heard throughout this process.  Our thoughts and prayers remain with Sahara's family. Their strength, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to honoring her memory continue to inspire our community.

 

“Douglas County will always stand with victims and their families. We remain committed to protecting public safety, supporting survivors, and ensuring accountability within Oregon's criminal justice system,” stated Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice.

 

###

 

Media Contacts: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

Attached Media Files: 06-04-26StatementfromDACommissionerBoiceaboutWallaceHearing.pdf,