Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 06/29/05

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua Deputy District Attorney: Mary K. Maxeiner

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

PAROLE DENIED FOR CONVICTED MURDERER

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that the Board of Prison Terms denied convicted killer Larry Bunke parole in a hearing held this morning at Folsom State Prison. Bunke was convicted by a jury of second degree murder for the May 1982 beating death of his wife Linda.

Bunke had been separated from his wife Linda when he went to her home at midnight May 27, 1982. Neither Linda nor their small children were present in the home. Bunke surprised Linda when she returned in the morning. She attempted to get away from him when he began to argue with her. He grabbed her and struck her repeatedly in the face. She collapsed while attempting to get aid from a neighbor. Bunke left the scene, but returned and carried Linda into the house. He then beat her with his belt before he called to get medical help for her. She died from her injuries five days later.

In denying parole, the Board Commissioners found the callous, cruel and senseless nature of the killing warranted denial of parole for three years. Members of victim Linda Bunke’s family were present during the hearing and presented a statement against a grant of parole as well as three petitions opposing Bunke’s release. Deputy District Attorney Mary Maxeiner argued against parole on behalf of the prosecution.