In 1994, a small town in California experienced a wave of unsettling crimes that really made the community feel uneasy. In just a few weeks, three elderly women lost their lives in a tragic way, leaving residents feeling scared and uncertain. While the authorities put in a lot of effort to find the truth, a fourth victim managed to survive an attack and shared important details that helped them track down the killer. The person responsible was Dana Sue Gray, a former nurse with a hidden dark secret. Her crimes are highlighted in Investigation Discovery’s documentary series “Very Scary People” Season 6, Episode 8, called “The Angel of Death“. This episode provides a thoughtful exploration of the case, highlighting insights from those impacted by the tragedy. It’s an intriguing tale of deception, survival, and the quest for justice that will keep viewers engaged.
Who is Dana Sue Gray?
Karen Dana Sue Gray was born on December 6, 1957, in California as Karen Sue Armbrust. She grew up with her parents, Beverly (née Arnett) and Russell Armbrust. She was born to a hairdresser whose first wife was a former beauty queen and MGM starlet. Dana’s parents had a lot of problems, and they lost several babies before Dana was born. Dana’s parents’ marriage ended when she was only two years old, which was sad, and she didn’t see her father much after that. Dana had trouble controlling her behavior and often did bad things to get attention. It was hard for her in school, and she often got in trouble for bad behavior.
At the age of 14, Dana decided to pursue a career in nursing after watching her mother bravely battle breast cancer. However, after her mother passed away in 1975, Dana moved in with her father. But when her stepmother found drugs in Dana’s room, she was asked to leave. Over the next few years, Dana’s life took a dramatic turn. She entered into a relationship with a skydiving instructor, who convinced her to end two pregnancies.
Dana also went through several miscarriages, which left her feeling deeply sad and led her to rely on medication for her mental health. Eventually, Dana lost her nursing job due to an issue with stealing drugs.
On November 24, 1993, she was caught taking multiple opiate medications without paying for them. This was a really important turning point in her life. She is said to have strangled and repeatedly stabbed Norma Davis, her first victim, less than three months later on Valentine’s Day in 1994.
Dana Sue Gray’s Murder Victims
Norma Davis
Norma Davis, 86, is thought to be Gray’s first victim. Davis was found dead in her home in February 1994, two days after her death. There were signs of a struggle, but no forced entry. The cause of death was multiple stab wounds, but no solid evidence linked Gray to the murder, and she was never formally charged for it.
June Roberts
Gray’s second victim was June Roberts, 66, whom she murdered on February 28, 1994. Gray entered Roberts’ house under the pretense of borrowing a book, then strangled her with a phone cord. After killing Roberts, Gray stole two of her credit cards and went on a shopping spree in Temecula.
Dora Beebe
Dora Beebe, 87, was killed on March 16, 1994. Gray approached Beebe under the guise of needing directions and was invited inside. Once inside, Gray attacked and killed Beebe, later using her credit card for another shopping spree.
Dorinda Hawkins
On March 10, 1994, Gray attempted to kill Dorinda Hawkins, 57, at her job in an antique store. Gray strangled Hawkins with a phone cord, but Hawkins survived and was able to provide police with a description of her attacker. This was a crucial break in the investigation, leading to Gray’s identification.
Effects of the Killings
The murders caused widespread fear among the elderly residents of Canyon Lake, who began sleeping in groups for safety. Some even believed the killings were part of a cult’s ritual sacrifice. Despite the fear, detectives struggled to find leads initially.
Exploration and Discovery
Gray was eventually caught after using June Roberts’ stolen credit cards at local shops, where store clerks took note of her description. Following a thorough investigation, detectives discovered Gray’s link to the victims and collected sufficient evidence to arrest her on March 17, 1994. She first said she wasn’t involved, but later she confessed to using the credit cards. Gray was taken into custody and faced charges for the murders of two women and the attempted murder of another.
What happened to Dana Sue Gray and where is she now?
Dana Sue Gray, who was found guilty of the tragic murders of three elderly women in the 1990s, is now serving a life sentence at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, California. Following her arrest in 1994, she ultimately admitted guilt in the cases of June Roberts and Dora Beebe, along with the attempted murder of Dorinda Hawkins. As part of her plea agreement, the death penalty was removed, and on October 16, 1998, she received a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.
While incarcerated, Gray has worked to turn her life around. She has pursued a degree in sociology and expressed a desire to earn a master’s degree. She has become an advocate for the rights of female inmates and has voiced her belief that those in prison can change and contribute positively to society. She has also taken a controversial stance on the presence of transgender women in women’s prisons, stating her concerns about those who have not undergone gender surgeries.
Though she has been in prison for over two decades, Dana Sue Gray maintains that she has changed and now works to support other inmates, with some even considering her a maternal figure.
Read Also: Pizza Bomber Case: What Happened to Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong and Kenneth Barnes?
