Man denied parole in brutal murder of 79-year-old woman

A man who viciously attacked and killed a 79-year-old woman in Santa Cruz County has been denied parole.

62-year-old Brown is serving a life sentence for the brutal rape and murder of 79-year-old Ida Stine, in 1973.

On February 5, 1973, Brown found his way into Stine’s residence, as he was selling soap door-to-door. While inside, Stine treated Brown to coffee and cookies, talked with him about religion, and even prayed for the 16-year-old Brown.

Following these acts of kindness, officials say Brown beat, raped, burned, and strangled and eventually drowned Stine. Following the murder, he left her in a bathtub filled with scalding water, causing burns to her body.

After committing this brutal crime, Brown took unsuccessful steps to remove his fingerprints from the crime scene by wiping down the doorknobs, shower faucet and a coffee cup with a towel.

Brown then walked out of the house, rejoined his co-workers, and went on with his day. Brown was apprehended seven days later by the Capitola Police Department. He was then charged, prosecuted, and ultimately convicted of this horrific crime and sentenced to prison on April 27, 1973.

Assistant District Attorney Abel C.K. Hung represented the victim, and the People of Santa Cruz County, at the hearing and successfully argued against Brown’s release. The Board agreed with Mr. Hung that Brown is no closer to understanding his motivations and triggers for committing such a horrific crime than he was when he first entered prison custody over 46 years ago. In addition, it was determined that he continues to be an extreme risk to the safety of the general public. Brown’s parole was denied for the 16th time and he will eligible again in 2024.