The family of Stephanie King continues to seek support in fighting the possible release of the man convicted in the 1988 murder of their daughter and sister.

It’s been nearly 27 years since Stephanie was abducted from Alco Baptist Church and murdered. Her mother, Sallie, is preparing to face the state parole board again as Edward Russell Dubose asks for his release from

prison, and she’d like as many people as possible to join her in opposing

his possible release.

Dubose, who is serving a life sentence, is currently housed in Limestone Correctional Facility. His parole hearing is set for Aug. 25.

“Like I said before, I have to trust that He knows what is best,” King said of the board’s impending decision. “It’s taken me a long, long time to get to this point. But, I’m here.”

The King family was notified in June that Dubose was up for parole consideration. State law requires that victim’s families be given 30 days notice of a parole hearing. In preparation for that day, the family immediately began soliciting letters of protest against Dubose’s release.

Previously, King said, “There’s never been an ‘I’m sorry. I did a really stupid thing.’ I feel that (Dubose) is where he is supposed to be.

“Even after 26 years, the hurt doesn’t stop,” she said. “I believe he would do it again. I miss her. I resent him for what he did. Have I forgiven him? No. I don’t know if I can.

“At least now, I want to,” she said. “I want him to not have a strong hold on my heart, and that’s the only way it can happen. I’ll get there.”

At Dubose’s last appearance five years, there was an overwhelming amount of testimony and support to keep him behind bars. The King family hopes the trend continues.

In her first mailing, King said she mailed a total of 22 letters, petitions containing 407 signatures, and eight copies of emails all protesting Dubose’s possible release. Each Friday, King plans to send a new packet.

“We continue to ask for people’s help in sending in letters and petitions,” she said. “It does make a difference when it comes time for the board to make a decision. Every time I open one, it’s emotional, but I’m just believing – believing with every thing in me the Lord is going to take care of this.”

King said she’s also received positive notes along the way.

“People send notes too that say, ‘I’m praying for you,’” she said. “And that means a lot.”

King said those who wish to submit a letter of protest can send one via mail or email. Email should be sent to sgreen@ago.state.al.us. She asks that copies are also set to her email at smkking@yahoo.com.

To learn what you can do, click What you can do. To view a sample letter, click Sample letter. To view a sample petition, click Petition 2015.