Napa State Murderer Sentenced: 25 to Life

The patient could spend the rest of his life behind prison bars.

Tuesday in a , 38-year-old Jess Willard Massey was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for strangling Napa State medical technician , 54, on the hospital grounds Oct. 23, 2010.

It was an emotional scene as Gross’s family confronted Massey for the first time, expressing their grief over the loss of their loved one and anger at the man who took her life.

Anna Bock, Gross’s daughter, told her mother’s killer that, “I woke up this morning with the feeling that my mother has forgiven you, but I haven’t,” Bock said.

Court records show Massey “stuffed fecal matter in my mother’s mouth before you strangled her and shoved her down the stairs. It makes me sick,” Bock said, her voice quivering.

“What was the fecal matter? Did she died before you pushed her down the stairs? Or did she lay dying at the bottom of the stairs?” Bock asked.

Bock spoke of her mother’s dedication in helping those who were suffering.

“I know if mom was here, she would be forgiving you. And that bothers me.”

During the victims’ statements, Massey showed little emotion, often making eye contact with Gross’s family members and nodding his head as if in agreement with their words.

Gross’s brother, Dan Kopache composed himself before addressing Massey.

“I woke up this morning thinking of Donna’s bright eyes, sweet smile and unselfish compassion. Donna helped others through their pain and suffering,” Kopache said. “She devoted her life to taking care of others.

“You may have taken my sister’s life, but you didn’t take her spirit,” he said, his eyes fixed on Massey.

The last to speak was Gross’s brother-in-law Gary Harrell, who has posted his entire statement in the comments section below.

Before sentencing Massey, Napa County Superior Court Judge Rodney Stone said “Donna was a person devoted to helping others, including you Mr. Massey, and you took her life in a violent way.

"And for that I am sentencing you to life in prison.”

The night of the murder, Massey attacked Gross in an enclosed courtyard at the hospital as she returned from a dinner break around 4:30 p.m.

During the assault, Gross was robbed of a package of gum, jewelry and less than $2, court records show.

After Massey was arrested, detectives searched his room and found Gross’s watch, two necklaces and earrings. The gum was found in a garbage can on Massey’s ward.

Massey had by reason of insanity and was to be evaluated by court-appointed doctors.

He later pleaded no contest to the murder; additional charges of kidnapping and burglary were dismissed with his plea.

Massey will serve 25 years before he is eligible for parole, said deputy district attorney Allison Haley, who prosecuted the case.

He was committed to Napa State Hospital after pleading not guilty by reason of insanity for attempted murder in Sacramento in May 1996.

At the end of the sentencing, Gross’s family gathered in the hallway outside the courtroom.
“He (Massey) showed no emotion, and I am full of emotion,” Kopache said.

“It’s really ironic. But it was very important that I be here to honor Donna’s life.”