Wyoming’s only death row inmate had his death sentence overturned in Federal Court Thursday. Dale Wayne Eaton was convicted of kidnap, assault and murder Lisa Marie Kimmel of Billings in 1988.
Federal Judge Alan Johnson overturned Eaton’s death penalty due to lack of proper representation during Eaton’s trial. Eaton will remain in prison, but it is unclear if Wyoming’s attorney general will appeal the ruling.
These are people who have grieved for 25 years. The process never seems to finish for them. You know, to go through a loss like this
Michael Blonigen is the Natrona County District Attorney and the person who originally prosecuted Eaton. He says the victim’s family is distraught over the ruling.
“Well of course we got ahold of them as soon as we heard and disappointment really is not the right word. These are people who have grieved for 25 years. The process never seems to finish for them. You know, to go through a loss like this.”
Blonigen says he will pursue the death penalty again if the Attorney General decides not to appeal the ruling and the case returns to Natrona County for a new sentencing hearing.
