An effort by Cathedral City parents to keep their daughter’s killer behind bars gets national attention

The parents of Nicole Crystal Sinkule continue their efforts to keep their daughter's murderer behind bars.

On October 16, 2005, 25-year-old Sinkule was brutally murdered in her sleep while living in Oceanside.

Sinkule's boyfriend at the time, Eric Nathaniel Marum, was convicted in her death and was serving 16-years to life in prison in Sacramento.

In December 2021, News Channel 3's Samantha Lomibao spoke Nicole’s parents, Glenn and Claudia Sinkule, who live in Cathedral City.

It was just 2 weeks after Marum was granted a recommendation for parole by 2 commissioners of the California Board of Parole.

"My heart felt like it fell to my feet. I felt something left me, something was gone," Glenn said as he remembered the day he found out his daughter was murdered.

On Thursday, the Sinkules, along with the investigator in the case and a San Diego Deputy District attorney, went over the details in a national podcast "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace."

Nicole’s sister, Danetta Sinkule, fears for her life if Marum is released.

“It gives me anxiety and insomnia," Danetta described, "He knew how close we were, he knew our relationship. So yeah, I’m very afraid.”

Oceanside police investigator, Sgt. Kelli Garcia, was at the scene of Nicole’s violent murder in 2005.

“She looked very innocent, but her head was absolutely just exploded. Uhm, and the hammer that was used to kill her was still embedded into her head.”

Garcia was also the one to notify the Sinkules the day after her murder.

“I felt bad. I had to keep it together at the time. But I really felt bad for the family, knowing what I was about to tell them.”

The Sinkule’s say Marum never apologized for killing their daughter.

San Diego Deputy District attorney, John Cross, described Marum when he saw him in court.

“I observed a man with no remorse. He was emotionless, cold, stone faced," Cross added, "He did not seem to show any remorse whatsoever.”

With Marum's possible release, the Sinkules say he is a threat to the community.

They have sent dozens of letters and created a petition online, with hopes to get enough support to stop Marum from being released.

“I’m fearful for my family and the community he will live in," Claudia pleaded, "Please look at all the facts and please keep him in.”