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On October 4, 1989, Duane Samuels was murdered by Jonathan Norton. Norton received a sentence of 99 years in prison with ten years suspended. There's more. Read the updates below.
UPDATE: JUNE 27, 2026
Later in 2019, Norton appealed the decision of the parole board. While that was wending its way through the Alaska court system, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a series of decisions regarding juveniles who had received lengthy sentences. Norton applied to have his sentence reviewed by the courts and the application was approved. On May 29 and June 2, a hearing was held before Alaska Superior Court Judge Josie Garten. On June 26, she delivered her decision. The new sentence is 99 years with 36 suspended.
Thank you to all our supporters who showed up in court. We are incredibly grateful for your time and interest. It matters much more than it should. Thank you!
UPDATE: FEB. 5, 2019
On February 4, 2019, Norton faced his first discretionary parole hearing.
He was DENIED PAROLE. He can apply for discretionary parole again in 10 years, in 2029.
THANK YOU.
Thank you for your outpouring of support. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your words of encouragement.
Thank you for writing emails to the parole board.
More than 360 emails were sent in. These emails remain in Norton's parole packet, forever. The emails MATTERED and made a difference.
Again, THANK YOU.
Four Criteria the Parole Board Considers
Alaska Statute, Sec. 33.16.100. Granting of Discretionary Parole
(a) The board may authorize the release of a prisoner convicted of an unclassified felony who is otherwise eligible under AS 12.55.115 and AS 33.16.090(a)(1) on discretionary parole if it determines a reasonable probability exists that
(1) the prisoner will live and remain at liberty without violating any laws or conditions imposed by the board;
(2) the prisoner's rehabilitation and reintegration into society will be furthered by release on parole;
(3) the prisoner will not pose a threat of harm to the public if released on parole, and;
(4) release of the prisoner on parole would not diminish the seriousness of the crime.
Alaska Constitution on Criminal Administration
Article 1 - Declaration of Rights
§ 12. Criminal Administration
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Criminal administration shall be based upon the following: the need for protecting the public, community condemnation of the offender, the rights of victims of crimes, restitution from the offender, and the principle of reformation. [Amended 1994]
 Ralph's StoryDuane's Brother - Written for MustReadAlaska.com |  Paula's StoryDuane's Sister - As told to Anchorage First Covenant Church. You can find audio for this at https://www.anchoragefirstcovenant.com/sermons.html under 6-25-17, in the last eight minutes of the clip. |
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 Valerie's StoryDuane's Niece |  Victim Impact StatementBy Ralph Samuels, 1995 |
 ObituaryDuane Samuels Obituaries |  News ClippingsLocal news clippings from 1989 - 1995. |
Thank you for reading, remembering and caring.
The Samuels Family
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