A California man convicted of brutally murdering his girlfriend will remain behind bars after pushing for parole.
On October 16, 2005, 25-year-old Nicole Sinkule was killed in her sleep in her Oceanside apartment. Sinkule’s boyfriend, Eric Nathaniel Marum, was charged and convicted for her death, and sentenced to serve 16 years to life for second-degree murder.
Shortly after the Sinkhule’s family appeared on “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” earlier this month, California Governor Gavin Newsom rejected Marum’s parole request.
“Governor Newsom has decided to reverse Eric Nathaniel Marum’s parole grant.!!!! He is not getting out this time,” the family wrote to Grace. “We are ever so grateful for your help! Still taking it all in but wanted to share our news.”
Marum began serving his sentence at Folsom State Prison after pleading guilty to the second-degree murder. In late 2021, two parole board commissioners recommended parole for Marum, but Sinkule’s parents, who joined Nancy Grace and guests on “Crime Stories,” fought tooth and nail to ensure Marum didn’t get an early release.
“It gives me anxiety and insomnia,” Nicole’s sister, Danetta Sinkule, told Nancy. “He knew how close we were, he knew our relationship. So yeah, I’m very afraid.”
Nicole’s mother, Claudia Sinkule, added that she fears if Marum is released, he’ll end up killing someone else.
“He’s gonna get out and somebody is going to be in danger,” Nicole’s mother, Claudia Sinkule, told Nancy.
Oceanside police investigator, Sgt. Kelli Garcia, who was at the scene of Nicole’s death, still remembers seeing the victim’s lifeless body.
“I’ve been to a lot of crime scenes…This one jolted me…She looked very innocent, but her head was absolutely just exploded and the hammer that was used to kill her was still embedded into her head.”
An hour later, police arrested Marum. He had hit Sinkule over a dozen times with a claw hammer.
Although Marum will remain in prison, for now, he’s eligible to receive another hearing in 18 months.
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Nicole and her sister/Handout]
