Dear UM Friends,

The trial of Dale Wayne Eaton for killing our daughter, Lisa Marie Kimmell is now over. He got the Death penalty. This was another bittersweet moment for our family, as we are the kind of people that could never intentionaly hurt anyone - let kill someone. But justice has been severed.

Sheila Kimmell

Mrs. Kimmell,

Thank you for telling us this wonderful news and for checking in here the past few months. I'm relieved you, your family, and your daughter got the justice you all deserved. I wish you the best.

Yes, thank you for sharing the outcome. I'm so glad he was found guilty and that he will be punished. I hope this brings you some measure of peace.

I definitely believe in capital punishment, even though I live in a country where it doesn't exist. Horrible, terrible crimes such as this one deserve the maximum penalty possible, in my view.

I wasn't even sure if and when the trial started, but this outcome is definitely satisfying. In just two days, it will be the 16th anniversary of that terrible night in Wyoming, and this is definite proof that justice knows no time limits.

Here's hoping that more cold cases from UM's early years slowly but surely find their way to a similar resolution.

You'll be in my thoughts Ms. Kimmell.

http://k2tv.com/archive.asp You can start at the bottom of the archive, March 3, and read each one in order -- generally titled "Eaton Trial" -- to get an overview of how the trial progressed. I'm surprised it did not receive national attention.

Mrs. Kimmell, I can't even imagine how difficult the past three weeks must have been, especially when they had to renew jury deliberations after one juror was dismissed. Your family has demonstrated tremendous courage and resolve over the past 16 years. It has led to the obvious perpetrator and proper verdict, both of which must have seemed like considerable longshots just 18 months ago. In reading the series of articles in the Billings Gazette, I was also impressed by the tenacity and genuine concern of Don Flickinger. What a gem. And no greater example that mandatory retirement age royally sucks.

It's absolutely outrageous that Dale Eaton tried to claim via the psychiatrist that he felt threatened after discovering Lisa's Honda on his property. I'm convinced the car was commandeered on the highway as Lisa innocently drove past.

Also, that note on Lisa's headstone a year after her murder was a creepy revelation, especially if the handwriting expert is correct and it was penned by Eaton.

By far the saddest aspect of reading the trial blurbs on K2TV's website was Eaton's claim to the psychiatrist that he considered letting Lisa go after two days of assault, but was convinced he would get in trouble if she lived.

I am so pleased to hear of final conclusion Ms. Kimmel. I know nothing can turn back time, but at least this story now has an ending. I do hope UM will add an undat tag to Lisa's story should it ever air again...or even more so, do an entire UPDATE segment. Givent he ammount of time that has passed I feel that would be more than warrented.

Speaking only as an armchair participant in this story...it will feel good to know that this can know be filed under SOLVED.

God Bless.

Sean McCracken

Mrs. Kimmel

If this question is in poor taste and has bad timing about it...please forgive me...but after pouring over numorous accounts of Dale Eaton's trial...I have yet to come across even apecualtion on one question that has been nagging at me for some time now:

How did Lisa's car come to be on or near Eaton's property? Or why?


Again...this is purely a question being asked from an armchair investigator who took an interest in this case many years ago from afar.....If I am off base in submitting this question please let me know and I will whole-heartedly appologize.

Sean McCracken

No Problem Sean,

No way was Lisa on his property as he related. That was just a smoke screen to give justification for his encounter with her. He wanted to minimize his predatory behavior. He actually got her near the Waltman rest stop just a short distance from his place (22 miles away) per her odometer reading on her car which we believe to be accurate, the testimony we heard and other facts we know to be true.

Also, just as an FYI..... when you spoke about UM updates, it seems that UM has dropped the ball in that respect. However, Cold Case Files with Kurtis productions is stepping up to the plate to fill that gap. They have been working on the case for several months and plan to start filming next month. I will let everyone know when it is scheduled to air. (And let me answer this question too, just in case .....no, we will not receive any financial compensation for telling her story like so many people would like to assume)

Thank you for kindness,
Sheila Kimmell