A California woman serving life in prison for a series of brutal attacks is drawing renewed attention — not for her crimes, but for her role as an advocate for fellow inmates. Many observers say the contrast is striking. Dana Sue Gray, now 67, has spent nearly three decades behind bars after admitting to violent assaults committed in the mid-1990s. In a 2024 interview with The Independent, Gray said she now speaks up for incarcerated women, arguing that many are conditioned to remain silent and compliant.
Her advocacy, however, comes long after a crime spree that horrified Southern California investigators. On February 16, 1994, 86-year-old Norma Davis was found stabbed and strangled in her Canyon Lake home. Detective Joseph Greco described the scene as “overkill,” noting a small sneaker print that suggested the attacker may have been a woman. Twelve days later, another Canyon Lake resident, 66-year-old June Roberts, was beaten and strangled with a phone cord.
Though valuables were left behind, her credit cards were stolen and quickly traced to local stores. The case shifted on March 10 when antiques shop worker Dorinda Hawkins survived a strangulation attack and told police the violence “wasn’t about money.” Days later, Gray murdered 87-year-old Dora Beebe, draining nearly $2,000 from her account before police closed in.
A search of Gray’s home uncovered damning evidence linking her to the attacks. Facing the death penalty, Gray accepted a plea deal in 1998, pleading guilty to two murders and one attempted murder. One suspected killing was never charged.
Despite lingering doubts, Greco says he cautiously supports Gray’s prison advocacy — while questioning her sincerity. Sources: A&E