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Cross was never interviewed in connection to Hammerberg's killing, authorities said, though they might have known one another. Hammerberg's brother says Cross used to ride the same school bus as them, authorities said.

In a police interview in 1978 following a reported car theft, Cross allegedly said he \"sometimes\" \"does things without realizing what he's doing,\" the sheriff said.

Cross served time in prison for forgery and was released in April 1984, Johnson said.

In 1991 Cross allegedly tried to strangle a woman; the woman escaped and said she did not know what triggered Cross to attack her, Johnson said.

The sheriff said he has \"mixed feelings\" that Cross cannot be arrested for this crime.

\"I wanted him to face greater justice. He stole Traci's life. he was able to live the life he wanted,\" Johnson said.

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