June 5, 2026 3:50 a.m. 

On Thursday, Douglas County District Attorney Rick Wesenberg and Commissioner Chris Boice issued a statement after the Oregon Board of Parole denied parole for convicted murderer and child rapist Dustin Wallace on Wednesday.

A county release said 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 Wallace would not be eligible for another hearing for ten years, the maximum allowed by statute.

Wallace was convicted in 2012 for the murder and rape of 5-year-old Sahara Dwight in Roseburg. 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 murderers and other violent offenders under Senate Bill 1008, making them eligible for parole. Wallace’s case was one of those that was commuted.

DA Rick Wesenberg and Commissioner Chris Boice attended the hearing along with several state lawmakers. The release said they support the board’s decision and commended the courage of Saharah Dwight’s family and loved ones who have continued to advocate for justice throughout this difficult and unnecessary process.

DA Wesenberg said, “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.” Wesenberg said, “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.”

Commissioner Boice said, “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.”