A California restaurateur's bid for freedom brings new revelations about one of South Bay's most notorious criminal cases.

According to Patch, David Viens, convicted of murdering his wife in 2013, has finally admitted to cooking her remains at their Thyme Contemporary Cafe restaurant, contradicting his earlier claims of painkiller-induced hallucinations.

Viens' confession came during a September 26 parole hearing, where he expressed remorse for his actions and sought early release from his 15-years-to-life prison sentence. His admission marks a stark departure from his previous statements about the 2009 murder of his wife, Dawn.

Gruesome Details Surface At Hearing

During the parole hearing, Viens revealed disturbing details about his methods, explaining that he spent four days in his restaurant's kitchen disposing of Dawn's remains. His inspiration for the horrific act allegedly came from something he had watched on television, demonstrating a calculated approach to concealing evidence.

The convicted murderer's confession included specifics about using the restaurant's equipment and disposing of remains through the grease trap. These details matched his original confession to detectives, which he had previously attributed to painkiller-induced hallucinations.

Law enforcement's investigation intensified after Dawn's family and friends reported her missing. Throughout this period, Viens maintained his normal routine at the restaurant, even as public concern grew about Dawn's disappearance.

Dramatic Attempt To Evade Justice

As investigators closed in on Viens, he made a desperate attempt to end his life. After confessing his crimes to his new girlfriend, he drove to a cliff in Rancho Palos Verdes and jumped, falling 80 feet.

The unsuccessful suicide attempt left Viens alive but severely injured. This dramatic event preceded his eventual arrest and conviction for Dawn's murder.

The case garnered significant media attention, becoming featured content on several true-crime television programs, including CBS's "48 Hours" and Oxygen's "The Real Murders of Los Angeles."

Parole Board Reviews Confession

At the recent hearing, Viens made the following statement to the parole board:

I extend my deepest apologies to all of my victims who have been and continue to suffer because of my selfish and destructive actions, especially to my wife, Dawn. I apologize sincerely for murdering Dawn and then callously lying about it. I wish that I could reverse the pain I have caused and bring her back to you.

Despite his apparent remorse and confession, the parole board denied Viens' request for early release. Their decision requires him to wait three years before his next opportunity for parole consideration.

The board's rejection suggests that even with his newfound honesty, Viens has not demonstrated sufficient rehabilitation to warrant early release from his sentence. His admission, while significant, came only during his bid for freedom.

Truth Emerges After Years Of Denial

The case stands as one of the most shocking crimes in South Bay history. Viens' recent admission confirms the gruesome details that had previously been dismissed as drug-induced confessions.

His operation of the Thyme Contemporary Cafe continued for weeks after Dawn's disappearance, with the restaurant becoming an unwitting crime scene. The establishment has since closed, but its notorious history remains deeply embedded in local memory.

Investigators' persistence ultimately led to the truth, despite Viens' initial denials and attempted suicide. The case has become a significant part of South Bay's criminal history, serving as a reminder of the importance of continued investigation, even in seemingly improbable scenarios.

Justice Continues Its Course

David Viens, formerly a respected South Bay chef, remains imprisoned for the 2009 murder of his wife, Dawn, at their Lomita restaurant. His recent admission to cooking her remains came during a September parole hearing, where he sought early release from his 15-years-to-life sentence.

The California Parole Board denied his request, requiring him to wait three years before his next hearing. This decision suggests that despite his newfound honesty about the crime, authorities believe more time is needed before considering his release into society.

Why This Story Matters

This grisly tale shakes the very foundation of trust and safety that businesses and marital relationships are supposed to provide in a community. Understanding this case helps reinforce the need for vigilance and intervention before misunderstandings and personal turmoils turn deadly.

Lastly, it highlights the extreme measures some might resort to and the crucial importance of law enforcement in thorough and ongoing investigations.

In conclusion, David Viens' case is a somber reminder of the depths of human deceit and the dire consequences of unaddressed mental and emotional issues. His recent parole hearing confession not only reaffirms the heinous nature of his crime but also reopens wounds for a community left reeling from his unimaginable actions.