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Killer sentenced for murdering 13-year-old Cloverdale girl
By Amy Larson at KRON4 (KRON-TV)
· July 10, 2026
· 1 min read
(KRON) -- A judge sentenced a killer on Friday to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole for murdering 13-year-old Sarah Geer in Cloverdale more than four decades ago. James Oliver Unick, 64, of Willows, Calif., was sentenced by Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Laura Passaglia. ...
Key takeaway James Oliver Unick, 64, of Willows, Calif.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The sentencing of James Oliver Unick for the murder of 13-year-old Sarah Geer brings closure to a case that has haunted the community for over four decades. The fact that Unick was able to evade justice for so long raises questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement investigations and the impact of delayed justice on the victims' families. As the city of Cloverdale moves forward, it is crucial to acknowledge the long-lasting effects of such heinous crimes on the community's psyche. The case also highlights the importance of advancements in forensic technology, which ultimately led to Unick's conviction. Now, the community must come together to support the Geer family and ensure that Sarah's memory is honored. The life sentence without parole handed down by Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Laura Passaglia sends a strong message that justice, although delayed, will be served in San Francisco County's neighboring communities.
About this story
Original reporting by KRON4 (KRON-TV) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KRON4 (KRON-TV) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: KRON4 (KRON-TV) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (KRON) -- A judge sentenced a killer on Friday to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole for murdering 13-year-old Sarah Geer in Cloverdale more than four decades ago. James Oliver Unick, 64, of Willows, Calif., was sentenced by Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Laura Passaglia. ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by KRON4 (KRON-TV) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amy Larson at KRON4 (KRON-TV). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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