Marina
The Kansas Department of Corrections recently made the decision to parole Dana L. Flynn, who had been serving a life sentence for the 1992 murder of her former lover, Randall Sheridan, in Geary County.
The murder occurred while Flynn was involved in an affair with her pastor. After more than 30 years in prison, Flynn, now 63 years old, was released on April 10, 2023, under post-incarceration status in Johnson County.
Background of the Crime and Conviction
Flynn and her brother, Mikel Dreiling, were both sentenced to life imprisonment in 1997 following their conviction for first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and conspiracy to commit perjury.
The crime that led to their imprisonment involved the tragic death of Randall Sheridan, who was shot five times with a shotgun while jogging on a gravel road near Junction City.
At the time of his death, Sheridan and Flynn were engaged in a custody battle over their daughter, who had been born during their affair.
On the day of his murder, Flynn and Sheridan were supposed to exchange custody of their daughter for a scheduled visit. Tragically, he was killed before they could meet.
Flynn’s Involvement in the Murder
Flynn’s case gained attention in 2022 when she was featured in the podcast “Snapped: Women Who Murder” on Oxygen True Crime. The podcast delves into the circumstances of her involvement in the crime, which was allegedly influenced by her affair with Jerry Rollins, the pastor of the Pentecostal Fountain of Life Church in Salina.
According to prosecutors, Rollins, who was both Flynn’s lover and mentor, played a key role in shaping her perception of Sheridan. He allegedly convinced Flynn that Sheridan was an abuser and a danger to their daughter, an accusation that was never substantiated by child welfare investigations.
The Role of Flynn’s Pastor
Prosecutors contended that Rollins and other members of his church were involved in orchestrating the crime and attempting to cover it up afterward.
Rollins was convicted of aiding a felon in the case and served time in the Kansas correctional system from November 1997 to March 1998.
The Role of Mikel Dreiling
Flynn’s brother, Mikel Dreiling, who was also involved in the crime, has been on parole since 2019. He was convicted of making a terroristic threat as part of the case. Dreiling now resides in Nevada, according to the corrections department.
Dana Flynn’s Time in Prison
Prison Life and Parole Denial
Flynn had been incarcerated at Topeka Correctional Facility since 1997, except for a brief two-day period in 2004 when she was held in Geary County for a court appearance.
Although Flynn was denied parole in 2023, she had completed 13 prison disciplinary programs between 2012 and 2024, demonstrating significant efforts toward rehabilitation. However, her prison record also included two disciplinary violations, one in 2002 and another in 2011.
Flynn’s Release on Parole
On April 10, 2023, Dana Flynn was granted parole and released into the post-incarceration phase, residing in Johnson County. This release marks the latest chapter in a long and controversial case that has captured the public’s attention for decades.
The parole of Dana L. Flynn after serving more than three decades in prison for the 1992 murder of Randall Sheridan marks the end of a significant chapter in a controversial case.
Flynn’s involvement in the crime, influenced by her affair with her pastor and the actions of her brother, has sparked public debate over the years. Her release follows a long period of rehabilitation, although the case remains a reminder of the complex dynamics surrounding crime and punishment.
FAQs
Why was Dana L. Flynn convicted?
Dana Flynn was convicted of first-degree murder for the 1992 shooting death of her former lover, Randall Sheridan, during a custody battle over their daughter. She was also convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to commit perjury.
What role did Jerry Rollins play in Flynn’s crime?
Jerry Rollins, the pastor of Flynn’s church, allegedly influenced Flynn’s belief that her former lover, Sheridan, was abusive toward their daughter. Rollins was convicted of aiding a felon for his involvement in the crime and served a brief sentence.
What programs did Dana Flynn complete while in prison?
Dana Flynn completed 13 disciplinary programs from 2012 to 2024 as part of her rehabilitation. Despite this, she had two disciplinary violations in her prison record.