IONE, Calif. — The family of an Ione woman killed in a deadly stabbing spree is demanding a formal grand jury inquiry into why the person accused of the crime was free after being convicted in a separate attempted murder.
Lori Owens' family and friends are outraged by the tragedy and even more so by who police said did it.
“The reckless behavior of everyone involved in the release and supervision of this violent criminal is obvious and overwhelming,” said James Grubbs, Owens’ son-in-law.
“A lot of people ask us how they can help and what we need; what we need is for you to talk about these events and these issues and spreading this tragic story,” Grubbs added. “So other families don't have to go through what our families are going through today.”
Grubbs said this is a widespread problem and will only continue to grow unless something is done.
A candlelight vigil was held Sunday night among friends and family to honor Owens. She was a grandmother, mother, wife, sister and a friend to many. She was killed in the deadly stabbing that also injured two others.
“We have got to stop things like this from happening to our small little town and to anyone else,” said a friend of Owens' at the vigil.
The family said they will not be silent or be stopped until they get the justice Owens deserves.
Joseph Stephens Jenkins was charged in the deadly stabbing. He returned to Ione in July after a stay in a mental hospital following his conviction of attempted murder. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Jenkins was a transient living in the area where the attack happened. He is due back in court on Nov. 17.
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