'So many people have taken her into their hearts and lives'
Stephanie Condon disappeared in 1998. She was 14. Her remains were found March 13, 2009, near an abandoned logging road. By Kim Quintero KVAL NewsRIDDLE, Ore. -- The prime suspect in the abduction and murder of Stephanie Condon is being charged with murder more than 10 years after the Oregon 14 year old disappeared. MultimediaDale Wayne Hill, 39, has been accused of murdering Condon more than a decade ago. She disappeared back in 1998 while babysitting two toddlers in Tri City. "This could have happened to any family here, but it's just that it happened to us," said Marty Condon, Stephanie's father. Late Tuesday, the Douglas County District Attorney charged 39-year-old Dale Hill on several counts of murder and kidnapping. "I think it's been nerve wracking for the community to know that a 14-year-old girl can get abducted and murdered and dumped in the woods, and the person responsible can get away with it for 10 years," said Sheriff John Hanlin, Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Hanlin said each murder charge represents the different theories investigators have on how the crime was committed. He added he's confident in his belief that Hill killed Condon. Meanwhile, neighbors are breathing a sigh of relief and helping the Condon family cope. "I think they're a little resigned to the fact that this was how it was going to turn out," said Ed Collins, the Condon family's neighbor. Hill was sentenced to a month in a Nevada jail on an unrelated charge. His jail time would have ended Wednesday. The murder indictment means the jail will hold him while Oregon authorities work to bring him back to face the charges. "To some extent, we're relieved," said Terry Barnes, Stephanie Condon's grandfather. This Saturday, friends and family will gather for a "Celebration of Life" for Stephanie. The public is invited to attend. It will be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg at 1 p.m. Pastor Don Causey of Open Bible Christian Center in Riddle is helping to organize the service. He said even though the family didn't attend his church, he's been compelled to support them throughout the past decade. "My son went to school the same time Stephanie was there. He was older and she was younger, but it just comes real close to home," said Causey. "So many people have taken her into their hearts and lives," Marty Condon said, "so this is a community closure." |
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February 9, 2012
- Roseburg, Oregon
