Ellie Nesler Killed her son's molester in Jamestown court

This episode of History Hunters takes you to Tuolumne and Calaveras counties to tell the now-forgotten story of how one vigilante mom took drastic measures to take out a suspect accused of doing bad things to her son.
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Thank you!
#ellienesler #jamestowncalifornia #historyhunters

[@clarencejones7916]

being a victim of molestation myself I cannot help but cheer when someone puts down one of these monsters

[@inappropriatebible]

Me too!!

[@garymckee448]

Child molesters are the lowest form of life. Thanks for the video

[@virginiawatson153]

Nellie, in all likelihood, saved many other kids from molestation. It's also likely Willie's later problems were due to the molestation. Thanks for another fine video.

[@grammyhall53]

ellie has my support as well as millions of others,the corrupt courts in this land is the problem.another great video jeff,thanks for your research and time.

[@LittleBlueOwl318]

Ellie passed away in 2008

[@WILLIAMSMITH-jd2hb]

Amen !!! THE PROBLEM IS THE COURTS !Children are victimized by the very courts who are supposed to be protecting them. The worst court is the family Court system in America.It needs to be knocked to the ground and totally rebuilt. TOTALLY BIASED AGAINST FATHERS.

[@pooroldroy1756]

There were several times during my law enforcement career that I wanted to just do as she did knowing the court system would not do as it was intended and punish and remove these type violators from society and protect those that can not protect themselves. I have seen what devastasting lives those molested as children live and the difficulty they have in adjusting and trust. This is so sad. I enjoy your presentations and look forward to Sundays, keep up the good work.

[@adamdlong]

The biggest failing of our legal system is that it scares the good into allowing the evil to continue victimizing the innocent.

[@haroldnelson3734]

@@adamdlong Well said! It's a system of laws. Not a system of justice.

[@Angelica-me4fj]

@@adamdlong Yes, and MORE SO today!!!

[@rustyruss2962]

Mr Roy Thank You for ur service Police 👮‍♀️ officer is Hardest job an nowadays Really Really Hard I’m sure you have seen a lot GodBless 🙏

[@martinez209]

That's why I couldn't be a cop outta the Marine Corp. I know I would make "ethical" decisions like that. One thing I can't stand is babies and kids getting abused like that.

[@sandrabonner8208]

Living and working in Yosemite valley, 1979 through 1984, I foolishly adopted a puppy. After a very few months, it became apparent I could not adequately take care of it due to my living situation and working hours. A dear friend put me in contact with Ellie Nesler who helped me find a good home for my Balin. She was a most caring person who worked and helped me find a new home for my puppy, even though it broke my heart to give him up. Thankfully, neither I nor my dear friend were involved in this, but it goes to show the rural/local social interactions that still occurred and, likely, still do. As to my interactions with her, and my dear friend's recounting, she was a good person. No more can I say on this matter and no judgement can I make.

[@privatepilot4064]

I can understand how a mother can feel about something like this. He won’t be molesting anymore kids. Great video!

[@johnfair62]

It should be the law, the parents should be allowed to kill the molester of their child. If I were the judge I would have given her a free pass. If I had to give her something, it would have been house arrest.

[@romancastro3253]

That pervert was the product of the Judicial System. Leaving the door open for another child to suffer his perverted satisfaction. I stand behind what Ellie did. Now her son is the product of the same Judicial System.

[@KYLE1654-v7m]

@@johnfair62 Only a sicko enjoys killing.

[@Milk-ck1wv]

​@@johnfair62 i agree completely. if the person actually molested a child they don't deserve free time

[@BULLWalker-jo8dj]

She understood the assignment salute put that iron in his ass that ain't happen in florida

[@angelaedwards5124]

Yep...remember this very well as I am from Sonora while I no longer live there my family does. ELLIE NESLER IS A HERO!!!!!!

[@jerrysullivan8424]

Around the year 1920, my grandfather shot and killed his brother-in-law for beating his sister. He had a jury trial and was found not guilty, you did not beat women back in those days. if you were a child molester and was found out, you also would be brought to justice, I am not saying that my grandfather was right in what he did, I am just saying that in the 20s Ellie Nesler would not have seen prison, or not in the area where my grandfather was from. I never met my grandfather, he died in 1949.

[@lisamartin3734]

Back then it was considered self defense and now we are at the mercy of law enforcement and just hope they do their job right so that no one gets off on some technicality.

[@shinya2104]

good story you fucking liar

[@JGanes]

She hit the nail on the head. She did what the court system didn't.

[@The_DC_Kid]

"hit the nail on the head". Excellent euphemism for splattering that POS' brains on the floor. I pity the custodian but NOT the molester.

[@kaceyolsen8350]

Exactly!!! You have to take charge! I'm so proud she did take that sicko off the streets for good!!!!

[@jonathanstephens7015]

So you’re okay with meth addicts going around assassinating people without due process? That would be a scary society. She was jacked up on methamphetamine when she committed the murder. She was a lifelong tweaker. I sure as shit don’t want people like here doling out justice.

[@JGanes]

You bet your ass I'm good with it. Vigilante justice in this case was necessary, whether it was from a crackhead or a king. This country needs to bring back corporal punishment and public executions.

[@Milk-ck1wv]

​@@jonathanstephens7015 Just because she was on a drug doesn't change that the murder she did commit was justifiable AND WAS WELL FUCKING EARNED. THAT PERVERT DID THIS MULTIPLE TIMES TO MULTIPLE FUCKING KIDS!! i don't care if this women was on goddam weed,marijuana but she killed him because he hurt her baby. She did all those victims justice and spared future victims.

[@halhunter4399]

The entire Jamestown story was such a emotional sympathy for her roller coaster. Remember it being on all the news stations back then. Great job on presenting the full story Jeff. You always surprise me by thinking nothing can top this, then comes a new video !

[@calsurflance5598]

Thanks Jeff for revisiting this. I had forgotten this happened in Jamestown. When someone molests a child, they give up their right to breath.

[@victoriawait5153]

I was working in Jamestown when this happened. It was a sad and extremely memorable day 😢My family also worked for the prison system where she was incarcerated. Such a tragedy.

[@victoriawait5153]

@@Thomas8892Q she was in the woman's prison in Chowchilla, Ca.

[@209Twinz209]

@@Thomas8892Q lake tulloch, that'd be Sierra conservation center, Jamestown ca.

[@fountainbiker]

Thanks for sharing this very sad story Jeff... I live in Jamestown and was unaware of this history only being here since 2012. It is a shame that Ellie did what she did and a shame that her son was abused by the monster she killed. She did save many other boys from the same fate but it ruined her life in the process. May she RIP.

[@rrussell9731]

I'm glad she did what she did.

[@robincope4917]

I feel bad for her son I was molested in boy scouts I'm one of the victims! I love your show Jeff and Sarah!!!!!👍♥️

[@Milk-ck1wv]

what happened? are you ok?

[@cathywhite9415]

My prayers 🙏 go out to you & hope you're doing alright...as alright as you possibly can be after going through such a horrible experience 😔

[@robincope4917]

@@cathywhite9415 thank you Kathy that was the nicest thing someone said to be in a very long time. My God bless you for years I went through a lot as a child not being able to tell anyone what was going on. Thank you.

[@coreym162]

@@Milk-ck1wv He just said he was one of this sicko's victims.

[@Milk-ck1wv]

@@coreym162 I mean afterwards. like how's the healing and how's life going

[@banjonichols3063]

Thank you for sharing...When we go into Jamestown...I will see it in a different way...We go through Jamestown frequently. taking the backroads to Yosemite.

[@cf2796]

R.I.P. Ellie. You did the right thing.

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Very sad bit of history Thankyou for sharing it Jeff

[@Liz-cmc313]

I vaguely remember this story. But I totally understand her frustration. The court system fails our innocent children most of the time. Just sad all around.

[@Hevynly1]

Tragic all around, but she most certainly saved a lot of kids from being molested by that man. I'm just sorry more couldn't be done to help her own son. The system needs to be fixed, desperately.

[@jeffknowlton5200]

Florida passed a law last year making what that man did a death penalty crime. If he committed his crimes against children down in Florida even back then, he would have never seen the light of day

[@greyghostjay]

Sad that this happened to spilt the family apart, but I get how she could do such a thing. Great content as always.

[@satmtca]

2 words: JUSTIFIABLE HOMICIDE

[@Ravelinn]

Thank you for this Amazing History Hunt.... and it was Great to see you Both the other night. I Did say hello. RIP Ellie Nesler..

[@j.d.thompson3505]

Being a long time local resident I remember it well. Especially the head stomping murder.

[@wyattearpp9540]

Molesters have to be put down. Can't change on their own!

[@rrussell9731]

Thank you.

[@djusmc4764]

If the Corrupt Judges did there jobs she would not have had to do it

[@KYLE1654-v7m]

Murderer is a murderer. I don't care what crimes a person did you have no right to kill someone.

[@lynnann6334]

Thanks for this story. Unfortunate, but she probably saved many boys.

[@dbduke88]

Sad. Of course, no mention of the presence of the biological father as a part of the family. In small towns and large cities, broken homes too often produce broken human beings, as was and is the case with the Nesslers. Then, too, the issue of a lenient justice system. A known child molester is judged lightly prior to his killing, and even was permitted to work at a youth camp. Bizarre.

[@truth4004]

It would have still happened if the father was around..

[@aramahsann6862]

He was working out of the country..not non existent

[@frankcasey7423]

Wow, what an powerful story! It’s a shame how so many lives were affected by one man’s crime against children. Thank you for sharing this with us and may god keep all our children from harm!! See ya’s on the next one! Take care now! Frank from Philadelphia, PA.

[@mov1ngforward]

This was so well done, HH. You're getting so professional with these videos! 70K will be 700K. Wait for it! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks very much!

[@lyllianpilcher]

She stood up for her son. Sad what's happened to the hole family. Prayers she rest in peace.

[@alanatolstad4824]

Amazing. I have mixed feelings about that simple marker. Glad you found it and gave her a simple acknowledgement.

[@vonwebber7852]

So sad, a no win situation for the family.

[@russellgay5337]

Tragic all the way around. If California wasn't such a lenient state when it comes to crime and criminals, this whole tragic senario would have never happened.

[@grandprixdriver]

good episode. I remember that. Was following it.

[@paullemoine1676]

Love the new intro ! I live in the east coast, thanks for the west coast history lessons ! Keep up the awesome videos!

[@davidkulczyk678]

excellent episode

[@carolhofhine560]

I remember her and her son from their interview on tv, but I didn't know what happened to them. So thanks to this episode, now I know. Sad story.

[@Monica-rr4lb]

Living so close to Jamestown I haven’t realized how much history it holds . Thank you for the videos very Informative history you take the time to share with us.

[@jamesshave6186]

Guys you really are the best at this … luv your work once again thank you …. Jamie England uk 🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿✌️🌹🌹

[@raccabird8889]

Awesome new video

[@philipcollins5440]

She had the right to do this.

[@stevemellin5806]

She did what anyone would do .a brave woman .if the law's where better we would not have this kind of thing.

[@libertygiveme1987]

It's a HARD ONE!!!! As a mother, I certainly UNDERSTAND why she did what she did, but as you said, she was taken away from the very ones she tried to protect!!!! Rest in Peace Ms. Nesler.

[@Martie-kf4zj]

Yes. How would that have helped her son? I'd like to know what her son thought about it.

[@brookiegremlin6660]

@@Martie-kf4zj This murder drew national attention to her son. She wound up schlepping him onto various talk shows, and it seems it didn't occur to her that maybe just maybe he didn't want the whole country knowing he'd been a victim of molestation:( just mho of course

[@Billyboy4209]

I can’t help but feel for the guy. has a Facebook, with his info if anyone feels like writing him.

[@pittsburgh-gal]

Which guy?

[@Billyboy4209]

@@pittsburgh-gal William, his story’s not uncommon here. I don’t mean this story I mean what happens when a boy has a traumatizing childhood. a lot of people don’t make it out ok. Not saying him murdering that guy was ok but that had his childhood been different so could that outcome. Like not being where he was with who he was. He him self would be a different person. Dude got dealt a crappy hand basically..

[@oshkoshb-josh5389]

Hello History Hunter, in spring of 2008 I met Ellie Nessler when I had a plumbing job at her daughters house in the Elk Grove, Ca. off Franklin at the border of South Sacramento. She was living with her daughter at the time. She ended up showing me all the letters and drawings that Willie had sent her from prison and told me that in fact ultimately she would have done the same thing over again because that man was just too evil. She initially was only away from Willie for I think around 2 years but it was getting involved in meth that saw her get sent back to prison. That is when willie really took a turn for the worst. I did end up talking to her over the phone 2 more times when she would call me out of the blue to try and give me 2 older RV’s in 2008 before her passing at the end of the year. It really was surreal to see her daughter on Oprah shortly after that. Anyway, your video just gave me a little flashback. Thank You for the video

[@Topp_Jimmy]

Another stellar production! Thanks! Loved the Live Feed yesterday!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you. We really enjoyed yesterday’s live. I think as time goes on we get more comfortable doing them. Thanks for joining us!

[@salysellsss]

Another interesting episode. I remember when when Ellie shot Driver but didn’t know what happened afterwards. What a tragedy for everyone involved. You do a good job of researching past events and reporting on the details that humanize these events. Thanks for your hard work!

[@suz632]

She did the world a favor. She put evil down before another person would be hurt.

[@dudleylitz7369]

she introduced herself to my friend on his first day of work at prison, as if she were a celebrity. he thought just the opposite.

[@budgetcoinhunter]

He's an absolute moron with a talmudvision in his head.

[@rickyjorge6710]

Sad on many levels. Great episode! And thanks for the Scripture.

[@ericlikeshalo]

Can’t believe I didn’t know this as a local, she’s a hero

[@charlesciminera5881]

Was this guy convicted otherwise how do you know he was guilty she is a murderer

[@ericlikeshalo]

@@charlesciminera5881 he had been convicted multiple times prior

[@charlesciminera5881]

@@ericlikeshalo I understand how people feel about the justification of this woman's actions however if you detach your emotions and look at what she did strictly from an intellectual point of view what she did was clearly wrong because if you can justify murder in one case you can do it in most cases such as if I was fired unfairly I have the right to shoot my supervisor because he ruined my life

[@ericlikeshalo]

@@charlesciminera5881 you can defend pedophiles all you want dude it doesn’t make me think he deserved any better

[@charlesciminera5881]

@@ericlikeshalo defend period? What has that have to do with murder? Can't you understand simple logic we have a judicial system for a reason so people don't take matters into thier own hands if you defend one murder you have to defend them all

[@melissas.117]

I had never heard of this story, all so tragic and sad.

[@terrydevries914]

This event is so tragic on so many levels. The impact of childhood sexual trauma, drug use/addiction, violence, issues in the legal/justice system. Juvenile facilities and prisons are full of victims of childhood trauma. So sad in so many ways. Thank you for re-telling these events.

[@marilgoodly3125]

She's a hero.

[@calebstone6924]

Daniel Driver got a quick bullet drive to Hell!👿👿

[@nikkid3235]

Great video. So, KZbin demonetized this video? I've heard and seen more disturbing video content from true crime creators on KZbin. Were those videos demonetized as well? Perhaps so. Maybe the creator was not concerned because they had a sponsor for the video. In any event please continue with your interesting content.

[@johnb.carpenter6862]

Wow ! Such a tragic story about lost people.

[@kodiakbearson8815]

Great job Jeff. I remember the media blitz and chaos created by this case well. The jury of public opinion was generally tilted in Ellie's favor, but there was also the "law and order" set that decried her actions. How does someone arrive at the decision of which side to choose? To excuse her actions by the motto of "how could he do this to children" or " let the scales of justice decide" Definitely a quandary of decisions. It somehow became likened to an old west tale of retribution due to the setting it occurred in. There was even a band that immortalized her in a song titled "The Ballad of Ellie Nesler". Done by the Sara Dunn band. It became one of the biggest stories here in California. Great video Jeff. Thank you. You have a knack for bringing history to life.

[@woodchuck1946]

The "scales of justice" failed four young boys" How many more are you willing to sacrifice to this pedophile?

[@conniephillips8217]

What is incredible story! So sad and tugs at the hearts of any mother. I know that I have no idea how I would react to someone intentionally hurting one of my children. I have feel I am a stable and down to earth person, but all bets would be off when it came to my children. I wonder how stable of a person she actually was because it appears she had enough of her own issues to deal with the true victim is Willie and my heart goes out to him. Thanks for an absolutely fantastic video Jeff!

[@Sbamabelle]

sadly, the laws in this country don't protect children very well. IMHO she took a life for the life he took by sexually abusing that boy, he forever changed how his life will be.

[@johnshaft5613]

Another great video Jeff and Sarah. I remember this case well, but had sort of forgotten that it occurred in Jamestown. I'm torn by the case. I have no doubt that Driver deserved what he got, and not at all confident that the judicial system would have properly served justice. On the other hand, we cannot have people walking into a courthouse and shooting a criminal suspect to death either. If that is allowed, soon every crime, even minor ones, will be met by violent vigilante justice. But the injustices to criminal victims today are only worse than they were in Nesler's day, particularly in California. The state seems to be tolerating/enabling crime recently.

[@belle9438]

She knew he did it. It wasn't a case of innocent until proven guilty. In this case I stand by her decision.

[@johnshaft5613]

@@belle9438 I'm not saying Ellie was "wrong". I'm saying that society cannot afford to condone, tolerate, or ignore what she did. Subtle difference.

[@belle9438]

@@johnshaft5613 I have a mean streak when it comes to children.

[@johnshaft5613]

@@belle9438 Well, most of us do. If something like that happened to my kids, I might well do something like what Ellie did, or even worse. I would expect to do time as a result though.

[@belle9438]

@@johnshaft5613 That is the unfortunate consequence. Don't get me wrong, I am not a person who condones vigilante justice. But when it come to children, I feel those people should be put to death one way or another because they are sick and they are not going to get better. There are to many times the judge gives them inadequate sentences and they are back out hurting some other parent's child. There is no telling how many children this woman saved. So honestly, I feel she should have gotten a pass as anyone should who were in the same circumstance.

[@unbiasedobserver]

So sad for everyone involved. 🥺

[@donhendershot5254]

So sad

[@jbenziggy]

Yeah, everybody loses with this one.

[@The_DC_Kid]

I used to often go gold prospecting near Jamestown before this incident and so when the case made the news I was interested and followed it to its end. Molesters live EVERYWHERE.

[@susangilland599]

Excellent and tastefully explained, with great compassion.

[@rhondaz356]

Why was that monster out free to continue repeating his crimes? Obviously, the ripple effect of her actions were anything, but positive. It definitely is not my place to judge her. Thanks Jeff, for the research, and on the spot locations. It's a tragic case all around.💔

[@robertmcevoy24]

Easy explanation Liberal Laws …Liberal Judges it’s a plague and it’s sickening it’s getting worse there’s no severe repercussions within the laws slapping on the hands and the “time out generation “ has degenerated society.

[@rhondaz356]

@@robertmcevoy24 There are some crimes that are so heinous, the perpetrator should not be given a second chance. I agree. This is one of them. 😑

[@edwardaustin740]

I really appreciate the history that you hunt and the presentation that you bring. Thank you sir. Please tell Sarah I said hi, and hope all is well on your end.

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

Hi Edward 👋

[@mlmc9464]

I can only imagine what was going through her mind seeing her son was violently ill, afraid and visibly shaking. Knowing how traumatized he was and thinking of the disgusting acts that monster forced upon him. Being in that situation there is no telling what a parent might do. The vile creature proved he was unfit to be in society. And putting him in prison really is not justice. He is housed and fed at no charge to him. That is not punishment nor rehabilitation, it's judicial free loading. It's sad when these things do the unimaginable and tax payers money is used to support them. If vigilante justice were permitted. I'm sure those that do heinous crimes would think twice before committing them.

[@dabprod]

No winners .......everybody lost in this tragedy. Very sad.

[@nacho_ncam]

Like my grandfather used to say: "That'll learn 'em." 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@KimberlyWilliams-vw2me]

The grave makes me sad for some reason. As a mother of 3 I understand why I can’t say if I’d do the same or not to be honest. My heart goes out to that family…now the sister has no one. So sad and tragic all around. ❤

[@lonewolvesonwheels]

RIP Ellie 💐 You’re a legend to us.

[@chasingsunsets87]

Yup. Thats how they role in northern california. Especially during that time period.

[@R.Oates7902]

Daniel Driver needed to be stopped. The law wouldn't stop him, legally!

[@Porsche996driver]

“but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew‬ ‭6:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬ We can not carry these resentments and burdens. Forgiveness, even in the worst situation, is most Christ-like. So many who claim to be Christians ignore the Bible’s most basic teachings.

[@mitch5077]

Wow... If I was faced with that and my child got violated and just so happened there was a gun, I think my cookie would of snapped in a moment. All reasoning goes out the window when it's your child. She ended him from hurting anyone else, but it did take a toll on everyone else. The boy probably turned out the way he did because of being so traumatized by being molested, that physically showed in him being I'll at the trial. Just my opinion.

[@tonystracener9078]

Very interesting video. Thanks for posting. She'd a while new light on this case for me.

[@annwilliams3384]

This story left out that the molester she killed was smirking and grinning at her in court. I remember that at the time.

[@jbenziggy]

He was reportedly smirking at the kid but in my book that just doesn't justify homicide. By killing Driver, she destroyed her son in the process by ensuring he would grow up the rest of his years without a mom. Where Dad was I have no idea.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Talk about a shocking story and shockingly bad behavior from everyone. Yikes! People can be pretty scary!

[@Andi-tu6gd]

Great episode. Your episodes are like mini "60 Minutes" stories.

[@jbenziggy]

Great! Thanks so much!

[@Itslizzylulu]

Sad what the whole family went through, I understand her rage, Ellie did what every mother could be capable of if someone hurts their child in a unspeakable way.

[@oshtoolman]

Love your channel. And kudo's on the intro with the badge and six shooters. I much prefer this intro!

[@bethgilliam7414]

I think she's a HERO!

[@carly4082]

She went to the law and they didn't do anything so she did, she doesn't deserve prison she saved a lot of kids from being molested by that sicko

[@klumog1]

Great video!

[@rivett310]

Anyone in that courtroom after hearing the questioning of those children should have sliced that bastard’s throat. Those children were stripped of their innocence and their spirit was taken away. Miss Nesler deserves a monument to honor her testimony of how a mother came to her son’s protection in a moment of rage. And duly so. Thanks Jeff for such a fine job in this tragedy.

[@susanbaughman9979]

I remember when she shot him

[@alkoch6895]

Thanks jeff, a real tragedy, definitely needs a permanent marker,

[@oldguyBMX]

Justice was served! Too bad she suffered the consequences of killing a person.

[@essencetoney933]

I would have done the same because the courts don't protect children

[@Donnasuemcguire]

Great job! Loved the Bible passage reference.

[@roydavies260]

A tragic tale. Thanks for the video. Best wishes

[@RJ-rp5ot]

Pick your spot, take your time..then toast the eff’er.

[@grumpyvet7670]

About 10 years ago, I was told that Ellie was a cousin. I don't think I ever met her though. If I did, I was really young. My family has deep roots in that area. Thanks for telling this story. God bless!

[@bobdeckwa]

Enjoyed the history.

[@SunshineGirlz]

I totally forgot about Ellie killing Danial Driver. Thank you for taking us back into History

[@mumr4268]

Yes!!! Do it more and the creeps would slow down!!!!!

[@dankimmel6338]

She had every right

[@tammierose3753]

she did a good thing

[@RedBull2k555]

Another informative episode thanks Jeff