In 1985, Cameron Hooker, then 31 years old, was convicted by a jury in Redwood City of kidnapping, rape, sodomy, oral copulation, and other heinous crimes. The case, which shocked the nation, involved the abduction of Colleen Stan, who was held captive as a sex slave for seven years.
The Girl in the Box Case
Colleen Stan, born on December 31, 1956, is an American woman who became known as the “girl in the box” after she was abducted and held prisoner by Cameron and Janice Hooker inside their California home between 1977 and 1984. During this harrowing ordeal, Stan endured unimaginable horrors, including being confined to a wooden box under Cameron Hooker's bed for extended periods.
“There were many times I thought I was going to die,” Colleen Stan recounted of her terrifying experience. Despite the trauma, Stan’s resilience and determination to survive have inspired countless individuals around the world.
A Dark Legacy
Cameron Hooker was sentenced in November 1985 to 104 years in state prison for the kidnap, rape, and torture of Colleen Stan. San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Clarence Knight imposed the maximum sentence due to the extreme cruelty and psychological torment inflicted upon Stan during her captivity.
Hailing from Alturas, California, Cameron Hooker had a troubled past that included an interest in bondage discipline and sadomasochistic sexual practices. His family frequently moved during his childhood before settling in Red Bluff in 1969 when he was sixteen. After graduating high school in 1972, Hooker worked at a local lumber mill, where he earned the nickname The Woodworking Wacko.
The Role of Janice Hooker
Cameron Hooker met his wife, Janice, during his time in Red Bluff. Together, they orchestrated a series of abductions in the late 1970s, resulting in the murder of one victim and the prolonged enslavement of another—Colleen Stan. On November 7, 1984, Janice confessed to police that her husband had kidnapped and killed Spannhake on January 31, 1976. While Cameron remains incarcerated, Janice was granted immunity in exchange for her testimony against him.
Legal Battles Continue
Decades later, the legal saga surrounding Cameron Hooker persists. In recent years, there have been attempts to secure his release into a halfway house. However, the court system continues to grapple with whether Hooker should be classified as a sexually violent predator. A trial to determine this status has faced numerous delays, most recently postponed until December 2024 due to scheduling conflicts.
Tehama County District Attorney Matt Rogers confirmed that the trial setting court date was pushed back after a lawyer tested positive for COVID-19. This delay underscores the complexities involved in ensuring justice while navigating modern health challenges.
Public Awareness and Media Coverage
The crimes of Cameron Hooker gained renewed attention through Episode 8 of Netflix's Unsolved Mysteries Volume 3. This documentary series shed light on the chilling details of Stan's captivity, sparking widespread outrage and sympathy for the survivor.
Despite serving decades behind bars, questions remain about Cameron Hooker's potential release and its implications for public safety. Meanwhile, Colleen Stan's story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience required to overcome unimaginable adversity.
Where Are They Now?
As of today, Cameron Hooker remains imprisoned for his role in the abduction and repeated sexual assault of Colleen Stan. Conversely, his wife, Janice Hooker, lives freely after testifying against her husband. Their contrasting fates highlight the intricate dynamics of justice, accountability, and redemption within the criminal justice system.
For those seeking closure or further insight into this harrowing tale, resources such as podcasts (Buried Alive For 7 Years) and social media platforms offer additional perspectives. Hashtags like #truecrime, #strength, and #survival continue to foster discussions about the enduring impact of these events on both victims and society at large.
Ultimately, the legacy of Cameron Hooker stands as a stark warning about the dangers lurking beneath seemingly ordinary facades—and the importance of vigilance in protecting innocent lives.
