Stanislaus County District Attorney Birgit Fladager announced last Wednesday that Douglas Thiessen, 51, of Newman, was found unsuitable for parole at a hearing of the State Board of Prison Terms in Lancaster on June 24.

Deputy District Attorney Doug Maner appeared at the hearing and argued for continued confinement based on Thiessen’s lack of rehabilitation and non-existent parole plans.

The board agreed and denied parole for two years, the maximum period of denial for an attempted murder conviction.

Thiessen was convicted in 2002 of attempted murder with premeditation, assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats and elder abuse for an assault on a family member, according to the District Attorney’s office.

Thiessen was sentenced to eight years to life. Last week was his first parole hearing.

He had previously been convicted of felonious battery causing great bodily injury to another family member, according to the district attorney’s office.

Newman Police Chief Adam McGill said he was pleased that parole had been denied.

“Mr. Thiessen’s crime was unspeakable and the appropriate place for him is in state prison, not the city of Newman,” McGill commented. “The citizens of Newman were well served by the district attorney’s office and Deputy District Attorney Maner. His efforts on this matter are very much appreciated.”