Dana Ewell biography

A $17,000 check was made out to Zent’s San Diego University—where somewhat ironically she was studying law—as well as $11,000 to pay for flying lessons both for Ewell and friend Joel Radovcich, who was also suspected of being involved in the murders. At the height of his spending spree, Ewell had more than 24 accounts in 14 different banks, some held jointly either with his grandmother or girlfriend.

Arrest & Trial

Finally, in 1995, a breakthrough came for Detective Souza when a friend of Radovcich, Ernest Jack Ponce, provided a detailed account of the killings as described by Radovcich. Ponce, 27, agreed to testify for the prosecution in exchange for immunity. He admitted that he bought the murder weapon for Radovcich, who he thought was going to sell it for a profit. Due to Ponce's testimony, both Ewell and Radovcich found themselves tried on three counts of first-degree murder.

Superior Court Judge Frank J. Creede, Jr. banned television cameras from the trial, but did allow a radio station to cover court proceedings. The court case was a sensational affair due to the nature of the crime, its wealthy suspects and the fact that it had taken so long to bring the criminals to justice.

Deputy District Attorney Jim Oppliger of the prosecution stated to the jury that Dana Ewell hired former roommate Joel Radovcich to kill Ewell’s family at their home while Ewell, the planner and operator, vacationed in Morgan with his girlfriend and her father in order to acquire alibis.

Oppliger said he would need 2 hours to describe the complex evidence gathered in the more than five years since the killings of Dale Ewell, his wife and their 24-year-old daughter, Tiffany. His witness, Ponce, told the court that Radovcich put on several layers of latex gloves and sat on plastic sheets waiting for the Ewells to come home from a weekend trip. Using a silencer, he first shot Tiffany. Glee was then shot four times. Dale was shot just once from behind, as he walked into the house from the garage 30 minutes later.

Also called to testify during the trial were Dana's uncles, who recounted how their nephew had become upset when he learned his parents' will was structured to release half of the estate when he was 30 and the remainder when he turned 35.

Aftermath

Zent did not testify, but her father took the witness stand for the defense, making favorable statements about Ewell. The testimony did no good, however, and after 10 days of deliberation, the jury convicted Radovcich of first-degree murder, and Dana of conspiracy to commit murder. They received mandatory life sentences, but were spared the death penalty. Ewell was sent to the Protective Housing Unit of Corcoran State Prison, which he shares with fellow prisoners Charles Manson, Sirhan Sirhan, Juan Corona and other convicted murderers who need to be protected from the general prison population. All appeals for Ewell’s release were denied.

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