Shasta Groene issues statement on Duncan's death
Joseph Edward Duncan, 58, a convicted serial killer on death row, died Sunday at a hospital in Indiana, authorities said. Duncan had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
He was sentenced to death in 2008 following his conviction for the May 2005 slayings of Brenda Groene, her boyfriend, and her 13-year-old son at their Wolf Lodge Bay-area home. Duncan abducted 8-year-old Shasta Groene and Dylan Groene, 9. Shasta was rescued at a Denny's in Coeur d'Alene seven weeks later, where Duncan was arrested. Dylan's remains were found near St. Regis, Mont.
Shasta Groene issued a statement on Duncan's death:
"Yes, Joseph Duncan is gone now. But, it doesn't bring our loved ones back. It doesn't ease the aching pain of moments that they should be there, and they aren't because of the selfishness of one person.
"One thing is for sure, he does not exist anymore. Now, we can live our lives knowing that. For so long I have been struggling with hate towards that man. Today, I woke up feeling like my soul was finally free. I hope other people affected by Joseph Duncan were able to wake up feeling the same way.
"I wanted to thank everyone who spent countless hours, days, and weeks searching for us, bringing awareness to our situation and praying for us. The continued support for me and my family does not go unnoticed, and for that I am extremely thankful.
"For some reason I can't stop thinking about the Anthony Martinez family the last couple days. They were victims as well as my family. As were Carmen Cubias and Sammie Jo White's family. I just want to reach out to them. If I could, I would hug them all. If I could, I would take all their pain away. I know that me saying that doesn't take their pain away, but I hope they find a little bit of contentment knowing that they are thought about so often and prayed for. I hope they know that there are people in Idaho who know what they are going through, and understand the pain and grief of losing someone so soon and not understanding why or how it could've happened. I will never let Sammie Jo, Carmen or Anthony's story be forgotten."