Roman Gabriel Aldana – Latino, age 18
Sentenced in Riverside County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: September 9, 2006
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Aldana ordered Jose Solorza (age 15) to help him kill Kayla Wood (age 16), a runaway, because of Aldana’s concern that she was pregnant and had seen him commit a shooting. Woods’ throat was slit, her hair set on fire and she was stabbed 133 times. She was ultimately left to die while naked in a bathtub in a burning house. Aldana was charged with torture, arson and murder. Aldana’s attorneys claimed he didn’t stab Wood.
Sources: The Press-Enterprise (CA) 3/30/10 AP Alert – CA 16:52:37, The Press-Enterprise (CA) 3/31/10 AP Alert – CA 04:20:24, The Press-Enterprise (CA) 4/28/10 AP Alert – CA 21:44:48, 5/1/10 AP Alert – CA 05:37:32.
By: a jury
Date of crime: September 9, 2006
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Aldana ordered Jose Solorza (age 15) to help him kill Kayla Wood (age 16), a runaway, because of Aldana’s concern that she was pregnant and had seen him commit a shooting. Woods’ throat was slit, her hair set on fire and she was stabbed 133 times. She was ultimately left to die while naked in a bathtub in a burning house. Aldana was charged with torture, arson and murder. Aldana’s attorneys claimed he didn’t stab Wood.
Sources: The Press-Enterprise (CA) 3/30/10 AP Alert – CA 16:52:37, The Press-Enterprise (CA) 3/31/10 AP Alert – CA 04:20:24, The Press-Enterprise (CA) 4/28/10 AP Alert – CA 21:44:48, 5/1/10 AP Alert – CA 05:37:32.
Alberto Alvarez – Latino, age 23
Sentenced in San Mateo County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: January 7, 2006
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Alvarez was indicted on first-degree murder of the murder of Officer Richard May (age 38). May was responding to a report of a fight at the time. Alvarez responded with gunfire to avoid going back to prison on a felony parole violation. Alvarez’s father publicly took the blame for his son’s problems because he was away for 10 years battling dug and alcohol addiction.
Sources: Palo Alto Daily News (Palo Alto, CA) 11/25/09 AP Alert – CA 01:37:08, Alameda Times-Star (CA) 12/16/09 (2009 WLNR 25373896), Alameda Times-Star (CA) 2/8/10 (2010 WLNR 2701124), Palo Alto Daily News (Palo Alto, CA) 2/9/10 (2010 WLNR 2724502), San Jose Mercury News (CA) 2/9/10 (2010 WLNR 2751031).
By: a jury
Date of crime: January 7, 2006
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Alvarez was indicted on first-degree murder of the murder of Officer Richard May (age 38). May was responding to a report of a fight at the time. Alvarez responded with gunfire to avoid going back to prison on a felony parole violation. Alvarez’s father publicly took the blame for his son’s problems because he was away for 10 years battling dug and alcohol addiction.
Sources: Palo Alto Daily News (Palo Alto, CA) 11/25/09 AP Alert – CA 01:37:08, Alameda Times-Star (CA) 12/16/09 (2009 WLNR 25373896), Alameda Times-Star (CA) 2/8/10 (2010 WLNR 2701124), Palo Alto Daily News (Palo Alto, CA) 2/9/10 (2010 WLNR 2724502), San Jose Mercury News (CA) 2/9/10 (2010 WLNR 2751031).
Jeffree J. Buettner – White, age 26 (see also Glen Joseph Jones, below)
Sentenced in Riverside County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: May 2002
Prosecution’s case/defense response: The decomposed body of Stephanie Benton (age 18) was found in a 55-gallon drum in a lake, with a sock stuffed in her mouth and her head wrapped in duct tape. Benton had been beaten repeatedly with a flashlight and strangled with a belt. Jones (age 19) and Jeffree Buettner were convicted of the murder, which prosecutors claimed occurred because they believed Benton had ben talking to the authorities about other crimes they had committed. Although the judge dismissed a torture allegation, he allowed kidnapping and killing a witness as other allegations that made Jones and Buettner eligible for the death sentence.
Sources: The San Diego Union-Tribune (CA) 6/12/02 (2002 WLNR 13950252), 1/22/05 AP Alert – NV 21:45:08, 12/15/09 AP Alert – NV 02:33:17, 1/12/10 AP Alert – CA 11:31:12, The Press-Enterprise (CA) 6/11/10 AP Alert – CA 22:57:21.
By: a jury
Date of crime: May 2002
Prosecution’s case/defense response: The decomposed body of Stephanie Benton (age 18) was found in a 55-gallon drum in a lake, with a sock stuffed in her mouth and her head wrapped in duct tape. Benton had been beaten repeatedly with a flashlight and strangled with a belt. Jones (age 19) and Jeffree Buettner were convicted of the murder, which prosecutors claimed occurred because they believed Benton had ben talking to the authorities about other crimes they had committed. Although the judge dismissed a torture allegation, he allowed kidnapping and killing a witness as other allegations that made Jones and Buettner eligible for the death sentence.
Sources: The San Diego Union-Tribune (CA) 6/12/02 (2002 WLNR 13950252), 1/22/05 AP Alert – NV 21:45:08, 12/15/09 AP Alert – NV 02:33:17, 1/12/10 AP Alert – CA 11:31:12, The Press-Enterprise (CA) 6/11/10 AP Alert – CA 22:57:21.
Anthony Deondrea Cain – Black, age 29
Sentenced in Los Angeles County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: February 11, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Cain was found guilty of two counts of first degree murder, two counts of residential robbery and one count of residential burglary. Ernestine and Lamar Matthews (both age 75) were found murdered in their home, both of whom were relatives of Cain’s by marriage. Cain became a suspect when it was discovered he had cashed a $6,000 check from the Matthews’ bank account the day before they were stabbed to death.
Sources: US Federal News 10/31/09 (2009 WLNR 21755315), Press-Telegram (Long-Beach, CA) 10/31/09 (2009 WLNR 21762675), Press-Telegram (Long-Beach, CA) 11/12/09 (2009 WLNR 22737800), US Federal News 11/13/09 (2009 WLNR 22785678), US Federal News 1/16/10 (2010 WLNR 939541).
By: a jury
Date of crime: February 11, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Cain was found guilty of two counts of first degree murder, two counts of residential robbery and one count of residential burglary. Ernestine and Lamar Matthews (both age 75) were found murdered in their home, both of whom were relatives of Cain’s by marriage. Cain became a suspect when it was discovered he had cashed a $6,000 check from the Matthews’ bank account the day before they were stabbed to death.
Sources: US Federal News 10/31/09 (2009 WLNR 21755315), Press-Telegram (Long-Beach, CA) 10/31/09 (2009 WLNR 21762675), Press-Telegram (Long-Beach, CA) 11/12/09 (2009 WLNR 22737800), US Federal News 11/13/09 (2009 WLNR 22785678), US Federal News 1/16/10 (2010 WLNR 939541).
Jackson C. Daniels – Black, age 44
Sentenced in Riverside County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: May 13, 1982
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Daniels was convicted of the murder of policemen Dale Doty (age 35) and Phillip Trust (age 36). Daniels was out on bond while appealing his conviction and when the appeal was denied he failed to appear in court for sentencing Doty and Trust were sent to his home to arrest him where they were both fatally shot by Daniels. The prosecution argued this was a revenge killing in response to Daniels being shot nine times as he fled a bank robbery in 1980, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Daniels was originally sentenced to death for the shootings, however a federal appellate judge overturned his conviction and ordered a new penalty trial. The reversal was due to the trial judge prohibiting a lawyer Daniels trusted to represent him and appointing an inexperienced ex-prosecutor who failed to investigate Daniel’s mental condition, which could have resulted in Daniels being convicted of second-degree murder, thus avoiding the death penalty. Nonetheless, the case was retried and Daniels was convicted of the first-degree murder of the two police officers.
Sources: Fresno Bee 1/8/91 (1991 WLNR 1300915), San Francisco Chronicle (CA) 11/3/05 (2005 WLNR 17753326), San Francisco Chronicle 12/30/95 (1995 WLNR 3031931), Long Beach Press-Telegram (CA) 12/30/95 (1995 WLNR 1224478), 12/24/09 AP Alert – CA 11:35:53, 1/29/10 AP Alert – CA 01:50:14.
By: a jury
Date of crime: May 13, 1982
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Daniels was convicted of the murder of policemen Dale Doty (age 35) and Phillip Trust (age 36). Daniels was out on bond while appealing his conviction and when the appeal was denied he failed to appear in court for sentencing Doty and Trust were sent to his home to arrest him where they were both fatally shot by Daniels. The prosecution argued this was a revenge killing in response to Daniels being shot nine times as he fled a bank robbery in 1980, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Daniels was originally sentenced to death for the shootings, however a federal appellate judge overturned his conviction and ordered a new penalty trial. The reversal was due to the trial judge prohibiting a lawyer Daniels trusted to represent him and appointing an inexperienced ex-prosecutor who failed to investigate Daniel’s mental condition, which could have resulted in Daniels being convicted of second-degree murder, thus avoiding the death penalty. Nonetheless, the case was retried and Daniels was convicted of the first-degree murder of the two police officers.
Sources: Fresno Bee 1/8/91 (1991 WLNR 1300915), San Francisco Chronicle (CA) 11/3/05 (2005 WLNR 17753326), San Francisco Chronicle 12/30/95 (1995 WLNR 3031931), Long Beach Press-Telegram (CA) 12/30/95 (1995 WLNR 1224478), 12/24/09 AP Alert – CA 11:35:53, 1/29/10 AP Alert – CA 01:50:14.
Aaron Norman Dunn – White, age 28
Sentenced in Sacramento County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: March 25, 2006
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Distraught over the end of his marriage and high on methamphetamine, Dunn went on a random shooting spree killing Michael John Daly (age 45) and Jon Johnson (age 46). Dunn also attempted to kill four others, two of whom were police officers. Defense attorneys argued that Dunn’s difficult childhood and a state of “meth psychosis” contributed to his violent actions. The prosecution maintained the aggravating circumstances of murder with special circumstances and multiple counts of attempted murder made Dunn eligible for the death penalty. Prosecutors also called numerous witnesses to testify about Dunn’s violent past.
Sources: 4/4/06 AP DataStream 10:07:16, The Sacramento Bee (CA) 4/22/10 (2010 WLNR 8346495), The Sacramento Bee (CA) 5/11/10 (2010 WLNR 9759748), 5/12/10 AP Alert – CA 19:15:18, The Sacramento Bee (CA) 5/13/10 (2010 WLNR 9859684), The Sacramento Bee (CA) 7/6/10 AP Alert – CA 22:23:01.
By: a jury
Date of crime: March 25, 2006
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Distraught over the end of his marriage and high on methamphetamine, Dunn went on a random shooting spree killing Michael John Daly (age 45) and Jon Johnson (age 46). Dunn also attempted to kill four others, two of whom were police officers. Defense attorneys argued that Dunn’s difficult childhood and a state of “meth psychosis” contributed to his violent actions. The prosecution maintained the aggravating circumstances of murder with special circumstances and multiple counts of attempted murder made Dunn eligible for the death penalty. Prosecutors also called numerous witnesses to testify about Dunn’s violent past.
Sources: 4/4/06 AP DataStream 10:07:16, The Sacramento Bee (CA) 4/22/10 (2010 WLNR 8346495), The Sacramento Bee (CA) 5/11/10 (2010 WLNR 9759748), 5/12/10 AP Alert – CA 19:15:18, The Sacramento Bee (CA) 5/13/10 (2010 WLNR 9859684), The Sacramento Bee (CA) 7/6/10 AP Alert – CA 22:23:01.
Christopher Evans – Black, age 28
Sentenced in Alameda County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: April 27, 2001
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Evans was convicted of one count of first-degree murder for the death of Tina Marie Rose (age 28) and one count of second-degree murder for the death of Tommy Lee Brown (age 41), as well as the special circumstance of committing multiple murders after a shooting at Rose’s salon in Oakland. The shootings were in response to Rose’s brother (Derrick Rose) discovering Evans searching his pockets as he walked down the street. When the fight escalated Tina Marie Rose, who knew Evans, came out of the Salon and told him the man was her brother. Evans apologized, however, Derrick, still angry, returned 40 minutes later with friends. Derrick proceeded to punch Evans in the face, knocking him out. Evans then shot Tina Marie and Brown, as he attempted to stop Evans before he shot Rose. Defense attorney’s argued that because Evans hadn’t been convicted of serious violent crimes previously that the death sentence was too harsh of a penalty. They also claimed Evans suffered from “post-concussion syndrome” due to a grade-three concussion from the punch, which left him in an “altered state” during the shooting. Moreover, defense attorneys argued that the “pocket check” was a common prank played by people on the streets of Oakland. The prosecution claimed Evans was a drug dealer who was embarrassed that someone had knocked him out on his turf and had killed as an act of revenge. Likewise, they speculated that Evans had been protecting his drug-dealing turf against someone he was unfamiliar with. Additionally, they conceded the punch had some effect but doubted it caused a grade-three concussion, altering Evan’s brain state to the point where he was unaware of his actions.
Sources: Alameda Times-Star (CA) 7/13/09 (2009 WLNR 13366182), Alameda Times-Star (CA) 10/26/09 (2009 WLNR 21317545), The Oakland Tribune 11/24/09 AP Alert – NV 18:16:25, 4/24/10 AP Alert – CA 02:22:55.
By: a jury
Date of crime: April 27, 2001
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Evans was convicted of one count of first-degree murder for the death of Tina Marie Rose (age 28) and one count of second-degree murder for the death of Tommy Lee Brown (age 41), as well as the special circumstance of committing multiple murders after a shooting at Rose’s salon in Oakland. The shootings were in response to Rose’s brother (Derrick Rose) discovering Evans searching his pockets as he walked down the street. When the fight escalated Tina Marie Rose, who knew Evans, came out of the Salon and told him the man was her brother. Evans apologized, however, Derrick, still angry, returned 40 minutes later with friends. Derrick proceeded to punch Evans in the face, knocking him out. Evans then shot Tina Marie and Brown, as he attempted to stop Evans before he shot Rose. Defense attorney’s argued that because Evans hadn’t been convicted of serious violent crimes previously that the death sentence was too harsh of a penalty. They also claimed Evans suffered from “post-concussion syndrome” due to a grade-three concussion from the punch, which left him in an “altered state” during the shooting. Moreover, defense attorneys argued that the “pocket check” was a common prank played by people on the streets of Oakland. The prosecution claimed Evans was a drug dealer who was embarrassed that someone had knocked him out on his turf and had killed as an act of revenge. Likewise, they speculated that Evans had been protecting his drug-dealing turf against someone he was unfamiliar with. Additionally, they conceded the punch had some effect but doubted it caused a grade-three concussion, altering Evan’s brain state to the point where he was unaware of his actions.
Sources: Alameda Times-Star (CA) 7/13/09 (2009 WLNR 13366182), Alameda Times-Star (CA) 10/26/09 (2009 WLNR 21317545), The Oakland Tribune 11/24/09 AP Alert – NV 18:16:25, 4/24/10 AP Alert – CA 02:22:55.
James Heard – Black, age 38
Sentenced in Los Angeles County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: December 20, 1990
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Heard was found guilty of sexually assaulting Katrina Brown, his girlfriend’s daughter, with a baseball bat and then killing her after she bit of part of his tongue. Before he strangled Brown to death, he poured a bottle of rubbing alcohol down her throat and stomped on her chest in an attempt to cause her to regurgitate the tongue. The attack occurred after Heard engaged in a daylong alcohol and crack cocaine binge. Heard was found guilty of first-degree murder, in addition to the special circumstances of lewd acts with a child, rape with a foreign object and torture. In 2003, the trial judge improperly dismissed a juror causing Heard’s original death sentence to be overturned.
Sources: The Long Beach Press-Telegram (CA) 9/29/93 (1993 WLNR 1104390), Akron Beacon Journal (OH) 9/30/93 (1993 WLNR 1244073), 6/8/10 AP Alert – CA 21:14:49, 6/9/10 AP Alert – CA 13:01:40, 7/23/10 AP Alert – CA 21:20:51.
By: a jury
Date of crime: December 20, 1990
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Heard was found guilty of sexually assaulting Katrina Brown, his girlfriend’s daughter, with a baseball bat and then killing her after she bit of part of his tongue. Before he strangled Brown to death, he poured a bottle of rubbing alcohol down her throat and stomped on her chest in an attempt to cause her to regurgitate the tongue. The attack occurred after Heard engaged in a daylong alcohol and crack cocaine binge. Heard was found guilty of first-degree murder, in addition to the special circumstances of lewd acts with a child, rape with a foreign object and torture. In 2003, the trial judge improperly dismissed a juror causing Heard’s original death sentence to be overturned.
Sources: The Long Beach Press-Telegram (CA) 9/29/93 (1993 WLNR 1104390), Akron Beacon Journal (OH) 9/30/93 (1993 WLNR 1244073), 6/8/10 AP Alert – CA 21:14:49, 6/9/10 AP Alert – CA 13:01:40, 7/23/10 AP Alert – CA 21:20:51.
George Anthony Hernandez, Jr. – Latino, age 27
Sentenced in Riverside County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: July 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Hernandez convicted of murder with a special circumstance of lying in wait. Hernandez was involved in what investigators believe was a gang hit of Jorge Ortiz outside of a bar. Ortiz was shot five times in the head and chest in an execution-style murder.
Sources: 1/30/10 AP Alert – CA 18:34:24.
By: a jury
Date of crime: July 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Hernandez convicted of murder with a special circumstance of lying in wait. Hernandez was involved in what investigators believe was a gang hit of Jorge Ortiz outside of a bar. Ortiz was shot five times in the head and chest in an execution-style murder.
Sources: 1/30/10 AP Alert – CA 18:34:24.
Earl Lloyd Jackson – Black, age 19 (re-sentence after appellate reversal)
Sentenced in Los Angeles County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: 1977
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Jackson was found guilty of fatally beating Vernita Curtis (age 81) and strangling Gladys Ott (age 90) during burglaries that took place in their Long Beach apartments. Jackson was originally sentenced to death in 1979 but a federal appeals court ordered a retrial in 2008 on two elements that made him eligible for the death penalty. In 2010 he was resentenced to death. Defense attorneys argued that sending Jackson back to death row after all these years constituted cruel and unusual punishment. The prosecution responded by stating that Jackson was the ringleader in the burglaries and had a tendency for violence, which the judge agreed with noting that this case was one of the worst he had seen during his last ten years on the bench. The judge also highlighted examples of Jackson’s violent behavior, such as attacking fellow inmates and guards while in prison as well as starting full riots. Likewise, there was evidence of sexual assault with a soda bottle on Ott that was noted in Jackson’s first trial, though no such charge was ever brought.
Sources: Long Beach Press-Telegram (CA) 9/1/92 (1992 WLNR 1036085), San Francisco Chronicle (CA) 1/24/08 (2008 WLNR 1328258), Los Angeles Times (CA) 4/2/10 (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/apr/02/local/la-me-death-penalty2-2010apr02).
By: a jury
Date of crime: 1977
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Jackson was found guilty of fatally beating Vernita Curtis (age 81) and strangling Gladys Ott (age 90) during burglaries that took place in their Long Beach apartments. Jackson was originally sentenced to death in 1979 but a federal appeals court ordered a retrial in 2008 on two elements that made him eligible for the death penalty. In 2010 he was resentenced to death. Defense attorneys argued that sending Jackson back to death row after all these years constituted cruel and unusual punishment. The prosecution responded by stating that Jackson was the ringleader in the burglaries and had a tendency for violence, which the judge agreed with noting that this case was one of the worst he had seen during his last ten years on the bench. The judge also highlighted examples of Jackson’s violent behavior, such as attacking fellow inmates and guards while in prison as well as starting full riots. Likewise, there was evidence of sexual assault with a soda bottle on Ott that was noted in Jackson’s first trial, though no such charge was ever brought.
Sources: Long Beach Press-Telegram (CA) 9/1/92 (1992 WLNR 1036085), San Francisco Chronicle (CA) 1/24/08 (2008 WLNR 1328258), Los Angeles Times (CA) 4/2/10 (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/apr/02/local/la-me-death-penalty2-2010apr02).
Christopher Guy Jasso – Latino, age 30
Sentenced in Riverside County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: September 7, 2003
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Jasso was convicted of the first-degree murder of Carlos Rafael Cuellar Cardona (age 30). Cardona, a cab driver, was found with two bullet wounds in his head. It was later discovered the motive behind the killing was robbery that profited Jasso $80. The defense focused their argument of how Jasso grew up in poverty in an abusive family of alcoholics that also caused his younger brother to become a convicted murderer.
Sources: KPSP Local 2 News Services 12/7/09 (http://www.kpsplocal2.com/news/local/story/Convicted-Killer-Gets-Death-Penalty/Fcn5I3aPUUWWgYyqR7mHbw.cspx?rss=2276), Riverside District Attorney’s Office – Press Releases 12/21/09 (http://www.rivcoda.org/News/PressReleases/122109.html), Southwest Riverside News Network 1/8/10 (http://www.swrnn.com/2010/01/08/la-quinta-man-sentenced-to-death-for-cabbie-killing/).
By: a jury
Date of crime: September 7, 2003
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Jasso was convicted of the first-degree murder of Carlos Rafael Cuellar Cardona (age 30). Cardona, a cab driver, was found with two bullet wounds in his head. It was later discovered the motive behind the killing was robbery that profited Jasso $80. The defense focused their argument of how Jasso grew up in poverty in an abusive family of alcoholics that also caused his younger brother to become a convicted murderer.
Sources: KPSP Local 2 News Services 12/7/09 (http://www.kpsplocal2.com/news/local/story/Convicted-Killer-Gets-Death-Penalty/Fcn5I3aPUUWWgYyqR7mHbw.cspx?rss=2276), Riverside District Attorney’s Office – Press Releases 12/21/09 (http://www.rivcoda.org/News/PressReleases/122109.html), Southwest Riverside News Network 1/8/10 (http://www.swrnn.com/2010/01/08/la-quinta-man-sentenced-to-death-for-cabbie-killing/).
Glenn Wade Jennings – Black, age 51
Sentenced in Sacramento County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: June 2, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: In an attack that took place during the robbery of a local liquor store, Kulwant Sufi (age 61) was stabbed 11 times by Jennings. The attack was captured on the store surveillance camera. Defense attorneys argued there was reasonable doubt that Jennings was not the man in the video as it was not high-definition and of poor quality. Prosecutors maintained that Jennings two prior robbery convictions, which he had served prison sentences for, made him eligible for the death penalty. In addition, the knife found in the store that was used in the murder was from a set in Jennings’ kitchen drawer. Jennings’ parole officer also testified that he recognized Jennings as the murderer when he saw a news clip was played on TV.
Sources: Sacramento Bee (CA) 7/9/10 (2010 WLNR 13743810), Sacramento Bee (CA) 7/29/10 (2010 WLNR 15020825), Sacramento Bee (CA) 7/29/10 (2010 WLNR 15045571), Sacramento Bee (CA) 9/8/10 (2010 WLNR 17803629), Sacramento Bee (CA) 11/6/10 (2010 WLNR 22203011), Sacramento Bee (CA) 11/6/10 AP Alert – CA 22:17:17.
By: a jury
Date of crime: June 2, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: In an attack that took place during the robbery of a local liquor store, Kulwant Sufi (age 61) was stabbed 11 times by Jennings. The attack was captured on the store surveillance camera. Defense attorneys argued there was reasonable doubt that Jennings was not the man in the video as it was not high-definition and of poor quality. Prosecutors maintained that Jennings two prior robbery convictions, which he had served prison sentences for, made him eligible for the death penalty. In addition, the knife found in the store that was used in the murder was from a set in Jennings’ kitchen drawer. Jennings’ parole officer also testified that he recognized Jennings as the murderer when he saw a news clip was played on TV.
Sources: Sacramento Bee (CA) 7/9/10 (2010 WLNR 13743810), Sacramento Bee (CA) 7/29/10 (2010 WLNR 15020825), Sacramento Bee (CA) 7/29/10 (2010 WLNR 15045571), Sacramento Bee (CA) 9/8/10 (2010 WLNR 17803629), Sacramento Bee (CA) 11/6/10 (2010 WLNR 22203011), Sacramento Bee (CA) 11/6/10 AP Alert – CA 22:17:17.
Mila Johnson – Asian, age 29
Sentenced in Los Angeles County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: August 9, 2006
Prosecution’s case/defense response: After an argument emerged over drug money, Johnson shot and killed Duana Bailey (age 33) and Sonia Chandiramani (age 29). Chandiramani’s husband, Glen Enriquez (age 29), survived by was left permanently blinded. Prosecutors pointed to the fact that all three were in shot multiple times while in bed, suggesting they were ambushed while sleeping. Johnson’s defense asserted the four had known each other for years and were allowing Johnson to stay with them as a guest. They further claimed Johnson had acted in self-defense after Enriquez pulled a gun on him and demanded his share ($30,000) of a recent drug rip-off they had committed. Johnson maintained to have shot Bailey when he went for a gun to stop him from leaving. Johnson also testified that he didn’t intend to shoot Chandiramani. The first jury remained deadlocked on Johnson’s sentence but a second jury recommended a death sentence.
Sources: L.A. Times (CA) 8/10/06 (2006 WLNR 13803337), 9/3/10 AP Alert – CA 19:28:06, Los Angeles Wave (CA) 2/25/12 (http://www.wavenewspapers.com/news/84763282.html?m=y).
By: a jury
Date of crime: August 9, 2006
Prosecution’s case/defense response: After an argument emerged over drug money, Johnson shot and killed Duana Bailey (age 33) and Sonia Chandiramani (age 29). Chandiramani’s husband, Glen Enriquez (age 29), survived by was left permanently blinded. Prosecutors pointed to the fact that all three were in shot multiple times while in bed, suggesting they were ambushed while sleeping. Johnson’s defense asserted the four had known each other for years and were allowing Johnson to stay with them as a guest. They further claimed Johnson had acted in self-defense after Enriquez pulled a gun on him and demanded his share ($30,000) of a recent drug rip-off they had committed. Johnson maintained to have shot Bailey when he went for a gun to stop him from leaving. Johnson also testified that he didn’t intend to shoot Chandiramani. The first jury remained deadlocked on Johnson’s sentence but a second jury recommended a death sentence.
Sources: L.A. Times (CA) 8/10/06 (2006 WLNR 13803337), 9/3/10 AP Alert – CA 19:28:06, Los Angeles Wave (CA) 2/25/12 (http://www.wavenewspapers.com/news/84763282.html?m=y).
Glen Joseph Jones – White, age 19 (see also Jeffree J. Buettner, above)
Sentenced in Riverside County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: May 2002
Prosecution’s case/defense response: The decomposed body of Stephanie Benton (age 18) was found in a 55-gallon drum in a lake, with a sock stuffed in her mouth and her head wrapped in duct tape. Benton had been beaten repeatedly with a flashlight and strangled with a belt. Jones and Jeffree Buettner (age 26) were convicted of the murder, which prosecutors claimed occurred because they believed Benton had ben talking to the authorities about other crimes they had committed. Although the judge dismissed a torture allegation, he allowed kidnapping and killing a witness as other allegations that made Jones and Buettner eligible for the death sentence.
Sources: The San Diego Union-Tribune (CA) 6/12/02 (2002 WLNR 13950252), 1/22/05 AP Alert – NV 21:45:08, 12/15/09 AP Alert – NV 02:33:17, 1/12/10 AP Alert – CA 11:31:12, The Press-Enterprise (CA) 6/11/10 AP Alert – CA 22:57:21.
By: a jury
Date of crime: May 2002
Prosecution’s case/defense response: The decomposed body of Stephanie Benton (age 18) was found in a 55-gallon drum in a lake, with a sock stuffed in her mouth and her head wrapped in duct tape. Benton had been beaten repeatedly with a flashlight and strangled with a belt. Jones and Jeffree Buettner (age 26) were convicted of the murder, which prosecutors claimed occurred because they believed Benton had ben talking to the authorities about other crimes they had committed. Although the judge dismissed a torture allegation, he allowed kidnapping and killing a witness as other allegations that made Jones and Buettner eligible for the death sentence.
Sources: The San Diego Union-Tribune (CA) 6/12/02 (2002 WLNR 13950252), 1/22/05 AP Alert – NV 21:45:08, 12/15/09 AP Alert – NV 02:33:17, 1/12/10 AP Alert – CA 11:31:12, The Press-Enterprise (CA) 6/11/10 AP Alert – CA 22:57:21.
Jimmy Dale Kelley – White, age 36
Sentenced in San Bernardino County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: January 26, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: During the robbery of a drug dealer, Kelley murdered Patty Crevoisier (age 49), William Landers (age 43), and Ward Phillips (age 37). Kimberlly Michaud (age 31) acted as a lookout during the crime. All three victims were shot with a .25 caliber handgun with two of the men also having their throats slit and Crevoisier being strangled with a copper wire. Prosecutors discussed Kelley’s long criminal history, which included a vehicular manslaughter conviction at age 18 when he crashed into a woman’s car while intoxicated, killing her 7-year-old nephew and rendering her 11-year-old son a quadriplegic. While in prison, Kelley beat his cellmate to death and attacked other inmates with improvised weapons. Moreover, they contended that Kelley showed no sympathy or remorse for the exceedingly brutal slayings. Defense attorneys tried to convince jurors to sentence Kelley to life in prison despite his request for the death penalty.
Sources: The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 11/10/09 (2009 WLNR 22532870), The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 11/11/09 (2009 WLNR 22591048), The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 4/3/10 (2010 WLNR 6955525), The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 6/24/10 (2010 WLNR 12786439), The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 6/29/10 (2010 WLNR 13070603), The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 8/13/10 (2010 WLNR 16183591).
By: a jury
Date of crime: January 26, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: During the robbery of a drug dealer, Kelley murdered Patty Crevoisier (age 49), William Landers (age 43), and Ward Phillips (age 37). Kimberlly Michaud (age 31) acted as a lookout during the crime. All three victims were shot with a .25 caliber handgun with two of the men also having their throats slit and Crevoisier being strangled with a copper wire. Prosecutors discussed Kelley’s long criminal history, which included a vehicular manslaughter conviction at age 18 when he crashed into a woman’s car while intoxicated, killing her 7-year-old nephew and rendering her 11-year-old son a quadriplegic. While in prison, Kelley beat his cellmate to death and attacked other inmates with improvised weapons. Moreover, they contended that Kelley showed no sympathy or remorse for the exceedingly brutal slayings. Defense attorneys tried to convince jurors to sentence Kelley to life in prison despite his request for the death penalty.
Sources: The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 11/10/09 (2009 WLNR 22532870), The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 11/11/09 (2009 WLNR 22591048), The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 4/3/10 (2010 WLNR 6955525), The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 6/24/10 (2010 WLNR 12786439), The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 6/29/10 (2010 WLNR 13070603), The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 8/13/10 (2010 WLNR 16183591).
Randolph Clifton Kling – White, age 47
Sentenced in Ventura County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: August 9, 2003 & February 24, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Kling was convicted in the shooting deaths of William Budfuloski (age 53) on Aug. 9, and his son Michael Budfuloski (age 31) on Feb. 24. Kling had at least 18 felony convictions and was implicated, but not convicted, of murdering his partner in crime in 1991. Many of Kling’s prior convictions were identity fraud using stolen Social Security numbers.
Sources: Ventura County Star (CA) 6/2/09 (2009 WLNR 10414351), Ventura County Star (CA) 7/19/09 (2009 WLNR 13771311), Ventura County Star (CA) 10/5/09 (2009 WLNR 19634995), Ventura County Star (CA) 1/28/10 (2010 WLNR 1785546).
By: a jury
Date of crime: August 9, 2003 & February 24, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Kling was convicted in the shooting deaths of William Budfuloski (age 53) on Aug. 9, and his son Michael Budfuloski (age 31) on Feb. 24. Kling had at least 18 felony convictions and was implicated, but not convicted, of murdering his partner in crime in 1991. Many of Kling’s prior convictions were identity fraud using stolen Social Security numbers.
Sources: Ventura County Star (CA) 6/2/09 (2009 WLNR 10414351), Ventura County Star (CA) 7/19/09 (2009 WLNR 13771311), Ventura County Star (CA) 10/5/09 (2009 WLNR 19634995), Ventura County Star (CA) 1/28/10 (2010 WLNR 1785546).
Travis Jeremy Lewis – Black, age 21
Sentenced in Los Angeles County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: April 3, 2008 – June 15, 2008
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Lewis, a Compton gang-banger, was found guilty of shooting Eder Pineda-Hernandez (age 21) in April and Roberto Benitez (age 23) in June. Pineda-Hernandez was shot and killed while standing in front of his apartment. Despite no evidence of him being in a gang or doing anything to provoke the attack, Lewis bragged about shooting a rival. Benitez was shot without provocation while Lewis was robbing a taco truck. Lewis’ defense argued his lack of any prior history with the law should spare him from receiving a death sentence. Lewis was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree robbery (taco truck owner and an employee) and murder while an active participant in a criminal street gang. Jurors also found Lewis guilty of another count of second-degree robbery when on February 16, 2007, Lewis held up a 7-Eleven convenience store.
Sources: 89.3 KPCC 8/5/10 (CA) (http://www.scpr.org/news/2010/08/05/18058/gang-member-sentenced-death-double-murder-case/), The Bulletin (CA) 8/11/10 (http://api.ning.com/files/Xi9kM9YbW4o5KHSdnlhimO8M21Mb5f26ZEAMBI0kNCv1kJN-gN3OnF4FSDHHLxCmqpDgtAGwfc2ppxhl6CjwzKZjBwKa*ElI/COMPTON8.11_FINALfinalFINAL.pdf), Word Press (CA) 7/12/11 (http://gustavoabenitez.wordpress.com/2011/07/12/alleged-gang-members-tried-in-7-eleven-robbery-and-murder/).
By: a jury
Date of crime: April 3, 2008 – June 15, 2008
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Lewis, a Compton gang-banger, was found guilty of shooting Eder Pineda-Hernandez (age 21) in April and Roberto Benitez (age 23) in June. Pineda-Hernandez was shot and killed while standing in front of his apartment. Despite no evidence of him being in a gang or doing anything to provoke the attack, Lewis bragged about shooting a rival. Benitez was shot without provocation while Lewis was robbing a taco truck. Lewis’ defense argued his lack of any prior history with the law should spare him from receiving a death sentence. Lewis was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree robbery (taco truck owner and an employee) and murder while an active participant in a criminal street gang. Jurors also found Lewis guilty of another count of second-degree robbery when on February 16, 2007, Lewis held up a 7-Eleven convenience store.
Sources: 89.3 KPCC 8/5/10 (CA) (http://www.scpr.org/news/2010/08/05/18058/gang-member-sentenced-death-double-murder-case/), The Bulletin (CA) 8/11/10 (http://api.ning.com/files/Xi9kM9YbW4o5KHSdnlhimO8M21Mb5f26ZEAMBI0kNCv1kJN-gN3OnF4FSDHHLxCmqpDgtAGwfc2ppxhl6CjwzKZjBwKa*ElI/COMPTON8.11_FINALfinalFINAL.pdf), Word Press (CA) 7/12/11 (http://gustavoabenitez.wordpress.com/2011/07/12/alleged-gang-members-tried-in-7-eleven-robbery-and-murder/).
Valerie Dee Martin – White, age 35
Sentenced in Los Angeles County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: March 10, 2003
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Martin, in connection with her son Ronald Kupsch (age 17), Bradley Zoda (age 15) and ex-convict Christopher Kennedy (age 28), was charged with the murder of William Whiteside (age 61). Whiteside’s body was found in the trunk of his burned car. Martin is also an ex-convict with a state prison record for a drug conviction. Martin was convicted in 1999 for possession of a controlled substance and spent three months in prison.
Sources: Daily News (Los Angeles, CA) 3/22/03 (2003 WLNR 2662659), Daily News (Los Angeles, CA) 3/25/03 (2003 WLNR 2666400), Daily News (Los Angeles, CA) 11/25/03 (2003 WLNR 2651804).
By: a jury
Date of crime: March 10, 2003
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Martin, in connection with her son Ronald Kupsch (age 17), Bradley Zoda (age 15) and ex-convict Christopher Kennedy (age 28), was charged with the murder of William Whiteside (age 61). Whiteside’s body was found in the trunk of his burned car. Martin is also an ex-convict with a state prison record for a drug conviction. Martin was convicted in 1999 for possession of a controlled substance and spent three months in prison.
Sources: Daily News (Los Angeles, CA) 3/22/03 (2003 WLNR 2662659), Daily News (Los Angeles, CA) 3/25/03 (2003 WLNR 2666400), Daily News (Los Angeles, CA) 11/25/03 (2003 WLNR 2651804).
Alberto Martinez – Latino, age 24
Sentenced in Orange County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: October 2, 2002
Prosecution’s case/defense response: After learning that her father planned to give her brother, David Montemayor (age 44), control of the family trucking business, Deborah Perna hired Pacoima gang members to kidnap and kill him. Rather than allow them to take him to his home where his wife and child were, Montemayor tried to escape and was shot in the street, commencing a high-speed police chase. As the driver of the getaway vehicle, Martinez was convicted of first-degree murder in addition to multiple special circumstances such as: murder for financial gain, murder during a kidnapping and murder for the benefit of a street gang.
Sources: The Orange County Register (CA) 4/19/10 AP Alert –CA 13:48:21, The Orange County Register (CA) 5/8/10 (2010 WLNR 9591334), 6/2/10 AP Alert – CA 03:35:32, The Orange County Register (CA) 6/2/10 (2010 WLNR 11323851), The Orange County Register (CA) 8/7/10 (2010 WLNR 15762363).
By: a jury
Date of crime: October 2, 2002
Prosecution’s case/defense response: After learning that her father planned to give her brother, David Montemayor (age 44), control of the family trucking business, Deborah Perna hired Pacoima gang members to kidnap and kill him. Rather than allow them to take him to his home where his wife and child were, Montemayor tried to escape and was shot in the street, commencing a high-speed police chase. As the driver of the getaway vehicle, Martinez was convicted of first-degree murder in addition to multiple special circumstances such as: murder for financial gain, murder during a kidnapping and murder for the benefit of a street gang.
Sources: The Orange County Register (CA) 4/19/10 AP Alert –CA 13:48:21, The Orange County Register (CA) 5/8/10 (2010 WLNR 9591334), 6/2/10 AP Alert – CA 03:35:32, The Orange County Register (CA) 6/2/10 (2010 WLNR 11323851), The Orange County Register (CA) 8/7/10 (2010 WLNR 15762363).
Jose Sergio Mejorado – Latino, age 26
Sentenced in Los Angeles County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: April 24, 2005
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Jose Mejorado, along with three other gang members Ernesto Mejorado (age 22), Gabriel Arceo and Francisco Ramirez (age 21), were convicted of the shooting murders of America (or Erica) San Miguel (age 26) and Jennifer Elisabeth Sanchez (age 29). Prosecutors argued special circumstances, such as firearm and gang enhancements, multiple murders, robbery and the murder of two witnesses warranted a death sentence for Mejorado. Miguel and Sanchez regularly visited the house where the four gang-members were staying. The evidence showed the motive of the slayings was to prevent the two girls from testifying about the murder of Raymundo Flores, which had been committed by Ramirez and Ernesto. Ramirez and Ernesto knew that Flores had recently gotten $18,000, and when the body of Flores was found the pants pockets were turned out.
Sources: The Fresno Bee (CA) 5/28/05 (2005 WLNR 8570389), 8/15/06 AP Alert – CA 13:35:18, People v. Arceo (Court of Appeals of California, Second District, Division Eight – B218758) 5/12/11 (http://caselaw.findlaw.com/ca-court-of-appeal/1567284.html), People v. Ramirez (Court of Appeals of California, Second District, Division Eight – B228444) 2/8/12 (http://www.leagle.com/xmlResult.aspx?page=3&xmldoc=In%20CACO%2020120208040.xml&docbase=CSLWAR3-2007-CURR&SizeDisp=7).
By: a jury
Date of crime: April 24, 2005
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Jose Mejorado, along with three other gang members Ernesto Mejorado (age 22), Gabriel Arceo and Francisco Ramirez (age 21), were convicted of the shooting murders of America (or Erica) San Miguel (age 26) and Jennifer Elisabeth Sanchez (age 29). Prosecutors argued special circumstances, such as firearm and gang enhancements, multiple murders, robbery and the murder of two witnesses warranted a death sentence for Mejorado. Miguel and Sanchez regularly visited the house where the four gang-members were staying. The evidence showed the motive of the slayings was to prevent the two girls from testifying about the murder of Raymundo Flores, which had been committed by Ramirez and Ernesto. Ramirez and Ernesto knew that Flores had recently gotten $18,000, and when the body of Flores was found the pants pockets were turned out.
Sources: The Fresno Bee (CA) 5/28/05 (2005 WLNR 8570389), 8/15/06 AP Alert – CA 13:35:18, People v. Arceo (Court of Appeals of California, Second District, Division Eight – B218758) 5/12/11 (http://caselaw.findlaw.com/ca-court-of-appeal/1567284.html), People v. Ramirez (Court of Appeals of California, Second District, Division Eight – B228444) 2/8/12 (http://www.leagle.com/xmlResult.aspx?page=3&xmldoc=In%20CACO%2020120208040.xml&docbase=CSLWAR3-2007-CURR&SizeDisp=7).
Tanya Jaime Nelson – Asian, age 41
Sentenced in Orange County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: April 21, 2005
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Nelson was charged with committing multiple murders for financial gain, fraud, burglary, lying in wait, conspiracy and murder. Nelson, accompanied by Phillipe Zamora (age 50), stabbed to death Ha Jade Smith (age 50), a local fortuneteller, and her daughter, Anita Vo (age 23), while robbing Smith’s home. Nelson, also known as Phuong Thao Nguyen, assumed the identities of the victims and spent $3,000 on clothing and purchased plane tickets for a family vacation. Nelson was also considered the mastermind behind the crime. Zamora testified against Nelson and received 50 years in prison. The defense, however, argued Zamora falsified the story to implicate Nelson and avoid a prosecution for the death penalty.
Sources: Memphis Commercial Appeal (TN) 6/5/05 (2005 WLNR 9067746), The Orange County Register (CA) 7/9/05 AP Alert – NV 19:17:37, The Orange County Register (CA) 1/14/10 (2010 WLNR 870914), The Orange County Register (CA) 1/15/10 (2010 WLNR 951984), The Orange County Register (CA) 1/29/10 (2010 WLNR 1992830), The Orange County Register (CA) 2/17/10 (2010 WLNR 3372227).
By: a jury
Date of crime: April 21, 2005
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Nelson was charged with committing multiple murders for financial gain, fraud, burglary, lying in wait, conspiracy and murder. Nelson, accompanied by Phillipe Zamora (age 50), stabbed to death Ha Jade Smith (age 50), a local fortuneteller, and her daughter, Anita Vo (age 23), while robbing Smith’s home. Nelson, also known as Phuong Thao Nguyen, assumed the identities of the victims and spent $3,000 on clothing and purchased plane tickets for a family vacation. Nelson was also considered the mastermind behind the crime. Zamora testified against Nelson and received 50 years in prison. The defense, however, argued Zamora falsified the story to implicate Nelson and avoid a prosecution for the death penalty.
Sources: Memphis Commercial Appeal (TN) 6/5/05 (2005 WLNR 9067746), The Orange County Register (CA) 7/9/05 AP Alert – NV 19:17:37, The Orange County Register (CA) 1/14/10 (2010 WLNR 870914), The Orange County Register (CA) 1/15/10 (2010 WLNR 951984), The Orange County Register (CA) 1/29/10 (2010 WLNR 1992830), The Orange County Register (CA) 2/17/10 (2010 WLNR 3372227).
Rodrigo Ortiz Paniagua – Latino, age 28
Sentenced in Santa Clara County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: October 10, 2005
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Paniagua was found guilty of stabbing his two daughters, Adrina Paniagua (age 6) and Ana Lisa (age 3), and his pregnant girlfriend, Leticia Chavez (age 26), just before setting their house on fire. Attorneys for Paniagua argued he was an alcoholic and drug addict who was raised in an abusive household, which caused him to suffer from a delusional disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome, drug dependence, and drug-induced psychosis. Prosecutors say Paniagua thought Chavez was going to leave him in response to the violence she and her children suffered at his hands. Paniagua also had a history of drug abuse, domestic violence and burglary.
Sources: 10/11/05 AP DataStream 03:39:09, San Jose Mercury News (CA) 10/11/05 (2005 WLNR 16448394), San Jose Mercury News (CA) 10/12/05 (2005 WLNR 16559646), Oakland Tribune (CA) 6/10/10 (2010 WLNR 11990287), San Jose Mercury News (CA) 12/18/10 AP Alert – CA 05:45:18.
By: a jury
Date of crime: October 10, 2005
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Paniagua was found guilty of stabbing his two daughters, Adrina Paniagua (age 6) and Ana Lisa (age 3), and his pregnant girlfriend, Leticia Chavez (age 26), just before setting their house on fire. Attorneys for Paniagua argued he was an alcoholic and drug addict who was raised in an abusive household, which caused him to suffer from a delusional disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome, drug dependence, and drug-induced psychosis. Prosecutors say Paniagua thought Chavez was going to leave him in response to the violence she and her children suffered at his hands. Paniagua also had a history of drug abuse, domestic violence and burglary.
Sources: 10/11/05 AP DataStream 03:39:09, San Jose Mercury News (CA) 10/11/05 (2005 WLNR 16448394), San Jose Mercury News (CA) 10/12/05 (2005 WLNR 16559646), Oakland Tribune (CA) 6/10/10 (2010 WLNR 11990287), San Jose Mercury News (CA) 12/18/10 AP Alert – CA 05:45:18.
Antonio Rodriguez – Latino, age 23
Sentenced in Los Angeles County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: November 12, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Rodriguez was convicted of the brutal murder of his live-in girlfriend’s 5-year-old daughter, Desarie, after sexually assaulting and beating her in a restroom. The charges brought against him included torture, child abuse, sexual assault and murder. In the month’s prior, Desarie and her older brother, Brian (age 6), were starved, whipped, beaten and burned with cigarettes. Rodriguez’s girlfriend, Debbie Saravia (age 26), is awaiting trial on murder and child abuse charges. Defense attorneys presented testimony from family members about his abusive childhood and lack of role models in an attempt to avoid the death penalty with a sentence of life in prison. Medical experts also testified that Rodriguez developed a brain abnormality as a result of being hit in the head with a brick and tire iron, making him unable to control his impulsiveness. Conversely, prosecutors focused on Rodriguez’s long history of crime and violence while in and out of prison.
Sources: Daily News (CA) 11/17/04 (2004 WLNR 10891030), Daily News 7/24/10 (2010 WLNR 14783007), 7/27/10 US Federal News 00:00:00, Daily News (CA) 7/27/10 (2010 WLNR 14945920), Daily News (CA) 9/3/10 (2010 WLNR 17599297).
By: a jury
Date of crime: November 12, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Rodriguez was convicted of the brutal murder of his live-in girlfriend’s 5-year-old daughter, Desarie, after sexually assaulting and beating her in a restroom. The charges brought against him included torture, child abuse, sexual assault and murder. In the month’s prior, Desarie and her older brother, Brian (age 6), were starved, whipped, beaten and burned with cigarettes. Rodriguez’s girlfriend, Debbie Saravia (age 26), is awaiting trial on murder and child abuse charges. Defense attorneys presented testimony from family members about his abusive childhood and lack of role models in an attempt to avoid the death penalty with a sentence of life in prison. Medical experts also testified that Rodriguez developed a brain abnormality as a result of being hit in the head with a brick and tire iron, making him unable to control his impulsiveness. Conversely, prosecutors focused on Rodriguez’s long history of crime and violence while in and out of prison.
Sources: Daily News (CA) 11/17/04 (2004 WLNR 10891030), Daily News 7/24/10 (2010 WLNR 14783007), 7/27/10 US Federal News 00:00:00, Daily News (CA) 7/27/10 (2010 WLNR 14945920), Daily News (CA) 9/3/10 (2010 WLNR 17599297).
Timothy Titus Rodriguez– Latino, age 41
Sentenced in Kern County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: May 2, 2007
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Rodriguez was convicted of first degree murder, attempted murder, robbery, burglary, and cutting a phone line in the murder of Thelma Long (age 90) and the attempted murder of her daughter, Cathryn Reeves (age 60). The defense argued that possible mental issues and methamphetamine might have caused Rodriguez to not know what he was doing. The prosecution focused on Rodriguez’s long history of criminal behavior and the fact that a baseball bat was the weapon used during the brutal murder.
Sources: The Bakersfield Californian 12/13/07 (2007 WLNR 24600691), The Bakersfield Californian 12/7/09 (2009 WLNR 24693182), The Bakersfield Californian 1/6/10 (2010 WLNR 272223), The Bakersfield Californian 1/12/10 AP Alert – CA 19:48:36.
By: a jury
Date of crime: May 2, 2007
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Rodriguez was convicted of first degree murder, attempted murder, robbery, burglary, and cutting a phone line in the murder of Thelma Long (age 90) and the attempted murder of her daughter, Cathryn Reeves (age 60). The defense argued that possible mental issues and methamphetamine might have caused Rodriguez to not know what he was doing. The prosecution focused on Rodriguez’s long history of criminal behavior and the fact that a baseball bat was the weapon used during the brutal murder.
Sources: The Bakersfield Californian 12/13/07 (2007 WLNR 24600691), The Bakersfield Californian 12/7/09 (2009 WLNR 24693182), The Bakersfield Californian 1/6/10 (2010 WLNR 272223), The Bakersfield Californian 1/12/10 AP Alert – CA 19:48:36.
Brooke Marie Rottiers – White, age 26
Sentenced in Riverside County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: August 28, 2006
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Rottiers lured Marvin Gabriel (age 22) and Milton Chavez (age 28) into her hotel room while she was working as a prostitute. She proceeded to beat and suffocate both men with the help of her boyfriend, Omar Tyree Hutchinson (age 30), and another woman, Franchune Dyuel Epps (age 22).
Sources: The Press-Enterprise (CA) 6/30/10 AP Alert – CA 16:41:09, 6/30/10 AP Alert – CA 18:08:06, Valley News (CA) 7/15/10 (http://www.myvalleynews.com/story/49351/), The Press-Enterprise (CA) 7/17/10 AP Alert – CA 18:11:41.
By: a jury
Date of crime: August 28, 2006
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Rottiers lured Marvin Gabriel (age 22) and Milton Chavez (age 28) into her hotel room while she was working as a prostitute. She proceeded to beat and suffocate both men with the help of her boyfriend, Omar Tyree Hutchinson (age 30), and another woman, Franchune Dyuel Epps (age 22).
Sources: The Press-Enterprise (CA) 6/30/10 AP Alert – CA 16:41:09, 6/30/10 AP Alert – CA 18:08:06, Valley News (CA) 7/15/10 (http://www.myvalleynews.com/story/49351/), The Press-Enterprise (CA) 7/17/10 AP Alert – CA 18:11:41.
Donald Shorts – Black, age 23
Sentenced in San Bernardino County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: March 29, 2005
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Shorts was convicted of the shooting murder of Michael Ryan Livingston (age 20). He was also found guilty of the special circumstance of discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle. Prosecutors believed the killing was the result of a road rage situation after Shorts believed Livingston to have been a rival gang member.
Sources: Long Beach Press Telegram (CA) 8/11/05 (2005 WLNR 12721157), 8/11/05 AP Alert – CA 18:44:51, 9/23/06 AP Alert – CA 21:57:34, US St. News 11/20/07 (2007 WLNR 23256899), Long Beach Telegram (CA) 11/21/07 (2007 WLNR 23050451).
By: a jury
Date of crime: March 29, 2005
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Shorts was convicted of the shooting murder of Michael Ryan Livingston (age 20). He was also found guilty of the special circumstance of discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle. Prosecutors believed the killing was the result of a road rage situation after Shorts believed Livingston to have been a rival gang member.
Sources: Long Beach Press Telegram (CA) 8/11/05 (2005 WLNR 12721157), 8/11/05 AP Alert – CA 18:44:51, 9/23/06 AP Alert – CA 21:57:34, US St. News 11/20/07 (2007 WLNR 23256899), Long Beach Telegram (CA) 11/21/07 (2007 WLNR 23050451).
Derlyn Ray Threats – Black, age 24
Sentenced in San Diego County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: September 1, 2005
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Carolyn Rebecca Neville (age 24) had lost her keys and left her home unlocked while she took her 6-year-old son to school. Upon returning she interrupted her home being burglarized by Threats who stabbed her more than 70 times with knives and hedge clippers. Threats was convicted of first-degree murder, torture, burglary and robbery. Defense attorneys claimed the arresting officer used excessive force when he kicked Threats while he was handcuffed on the ground.
Sources: The San Diego Union Tribune (CA) 9/7/05 (2005 WLNR 14211106), The San Diego Union Tribune (CA) 7/13/07 (2007 WLNR 13527015), The San Diego Union Tribune (CA) 11/14/09 AP Alert – CA 01:55:23, 8/19/10 AP Alert – CA 22:44:08.
By: a jury
Date of crime: September 1, 2005
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Carolyn Rebecca Neville (age 24) had lost her keys and left her home unlocked while she took her 6-year-old son to school. Upon returning she interrupted her home being burglarized by Threats who stabbed her more than 70 times with knives and hedge clippers. Threats was convicted of first-degree murder, torture, burglary and robbery. Defense attorneys claimed the arresting officer used excessive force when he kicked Threats while he was handcuffed on the ground.
Sources: The San Diego Union Tribune (CA) 9/7/05 (2005 WLNR 14211106), The San Diego Union Tribune (CA) 7/13/07 (2007 WLNR 13527015), The San Diego Union Tribune (CA) 11/14/09 AP Alert – CA 01:55:23, 8/19/10 AP Alert – CA 22:44:08.
Jamar Tucker – Black, age 28
Sentenced in San Bernardino County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: March 4, 2010
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Tucker had previously been sentenced to life in prison for murder and while in jail murdered his cellmate, William Levell Hansbrough (age 36). Likewise, Tucker was also awaiting trial in a second slaying on May 10, 2005 when he killed Kevin Watts during a home invasion. Tucker had believed Hansbrough was taking credit for crimes he didn’t do. Authorities described Tucker as a member of a prominent Los Angeles gang.
Sources: Los Angeles Times (CA) 3/4/2010 (http://projects.latimes.com/homicide/post/william-hansbrough), Los Angeles Times (CA) 3/10/2010 (2010 WLNR 4966423).
By: a jury
Date of crime: March 4, 2010
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Tucker had previously been sentenced to life in prison for murder and while in jail murdered his cellmate, William Levell Hansbrough (age 36). Likewise, Tucker was also awaiting trial in a second slaying on May 10, 2005 when he killed Kevin Watts during a home invasion. Tucker had believed Hansbrough was taking credit for crimes he didn’t do. Authorities described Tucker as a member of a prominent Los Angeles gang.
Sources: Los Angeles Times (CA) 3/4/2010 (http://projects.latimes.com/homicide/post/william-hansbrough), Los Angeles Times (CA) 3/10/2010 (2010 WLNR 4966423).
Pedro Cortez Valles – Latino, age 31
Sentenced in Kings County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: June 12, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Valles was convicted of shooting rival gang member, Eddie Cervantes (age 23), at a local gas station. Valles was also found guilty of another murder four years earlier, which was considered as a special circumstance in the case. Valles testified in open court about killing Cervantes “execution style”, was caught on a surveillance camera, and was identified by eyewitnesses. Additionally, a forensic scientist matched a bullet found in Valles pocket to one that killed Cervantes.
Sources: Fresno Bee (CA) 11/11/10 (2010 WLNR 22605683), 11/12/10 AP Alert – CA 10:30:44, The Hartford Sentinel (CA) 11/12/10 AP Alert – CA 03:14:15.
By: a jury
Date of crime: June 12, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Valles was convicted of shooting rival gang member, Eddie Cervantes (age 23), at a local gas station. Valles was also found guilty of another murder four years earlier, which was considered as a special circumstance in the case. Valles testified in open court about killing Cervantes “execution style”, was caught on a surveillance camera, and was identified by eyewitnesses. Additionally, a forensic scientist matched a bullet found in Valles pocket to one that killed Cervantes.
Sources: Fresno Bee (CA) 11/11/10 (2010 WLNR 22605683), 11/12/10 AP Alert – CA 10:30:44, The Hartford Sentinel (CA) 11/12/10 AP Alert – CA 03:14:15.
Scott Paul Varner – Black, age 24
Sentenced in Shasta County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: November 28, 2005
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Varner and Joanna Peterson (age 17) kidnapped Jeanette Renee Mariedth (age 35) from her home after targeting her for robbery. The two threatened Mariedth with a knife, driving her to multiple locations where they used her to buy fast food and other items. Varner and Peterson ultimately beat and strangled Mariedth before dumping her body near a local cemetery. Defense attorneys argued that in addition to having brain damage, Varner was neglected and severely abused as a child, which caused him to turn to drugs at a young age to escape from his troubled life. The prosecution focused on Varner’s long and violent criminal history, which included rape, arson, assault and attempting to kill a paraplegic. Peterson, who was a minor at the time of the murder, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for a 15-year-to-life prison sentence. Likewise, Varner was convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping, robbery, as well as other charges.
Sources: Record Searchlight: www.redding.com 11/28/05 (www.oocities.org/three_strikes_legal/sex_offenders_2005.html), 9/2/09 AP Alert – CA 22:14:29, 4/14/10 AP Alert – CA 23:01:26.
By: a jury
Date of crime: November 28, 2005
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Varner and Joanna Peterson (age 17) kidnapped Jeanette Renee Mariedth (age 35) from her home after targeting her for robbery. The two threatened Mariedth with a knife, driving her to multiple locations where they used her to buy fast food and other items. Varner and Peterson ultimately beat and strangled Mariedth before dumping her body near a local cemetery. Defense attorneys argued that in addition to having brain damage, Varner was neglected and severely abused as a child, which caused him to turn to drugs at a young age to escape from his troubled life. The prosecution focused on Varner’s long and violent criminal history, which included rape, arson, assault and attempting to kill a paraplegic. Peterson, who was a minor at the time of the murder, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for a 15-year-to-life prison sentence. Likewise, Varner was convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping, robbery, as well as other charges.
Sources: Record Searchlight: www.redding.com 11/28/05 (www.oocities.org/three_strikes_legal/sex_offenders_2005.html), 9/2/09 AP Alert – CA 22:14:29, 4/14/10 AP Alert – CA 23:01:26.
Gregory C. Whiteside – Black, age 23
Sentenced in San Bernardino County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: June 13, 1999
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Whiteside was convicted of killing Shawana Andrews (age 19) and Andrews’s daughter, Brittany (age 18 months). Whiteside was often abusive and complained he had trouble “controlling” Andrews. Defense attorneys argued Whiteside injured his head in a diving accident at a pool, in addition to catching meningitis when he was 2. Whiteside also attempted suicide after the murders but survived. Defense attorneys tried to portray Whiteside as a patient, hardworking man who had planned to marry Andrews. Prosecutors, however, said Whiteside was fueled by jealousy, selfishness and rage.
Sources: San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 1/18/10 (2010 WLNR 1118035), San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 1/22/10 (2010 WLNR 1411053), San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 2/10/10 (2010 WLNR 2815495), San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 2/16/10 (2010 WLNR 3292743), San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 3/6/10 (2010 WLNR 4782706).
By: a jury
Date of crime: June 13, 1999
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Whiteside was convicted of killing Shawana Andrews (age 19) and Andrews’s daughter, Brittany (age 18 months). Whiteside was often abusive and complained he had trouble “controlling” Andrews. Defense attorneys argued Whiteside injured his head in a diving accident at a pool, in addition to catching meningitis when he was 2. Whiteside also attempted suicide after the murders but survived. Defense attorneys tried to portray Whiteside as a patient, hardworking man who had planned to marry Andrews. Prosecutors, however, said Whiteside was fueled by jealousy, selfishness and rage.
Sources: San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 1/18/10 (2010 WLNR 1118035), San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 1/22/10 (2010 WLNR 1411053), San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 2/10/10 (2010 WLNR 2815495), San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 2/16/10 (2010 WLNR 3292743), San Bernardino County Sun (CA) 3/6/10 (2010 WLNR 4782706).
David Charles Zanon – White, age 37
Sentenced in El Dorado County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: July 31, 2007
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Zanon killed Highway Patrol Officer Scott Russell when he attempted to use a spike strip to stop a car chase that had begun. Zanon was found asleep in his car with stolen property and had a warrant out for his arrest for a string of robberies that had occurred in the area. Zanon was also found to have been under the influence of meth at the time. When confronted, he took off and was ultimately charged with evading an officer, causing death, felony leaving the scene of an accident, receiving stolen property, murder and assault.
Sources: Sacramento Bee (CA) 7/29/10 (2010 WLNR 15045613), Sacramento Bee (CA) 8/4/10 (2010 WLNR 15518371), Sacramento Bee (CA) 8/5/10 (2010 WLNR 15543109), Sacramento Bee (CA) 9/15/10 (2010 WLNR 18308250), Sacramento Bee (CA) 9/16/10 (2010 WLNR 18347420), Sacramento Bee (CA) 12/14/10 (2010 WLNR 24663783).
By: a jury
Date of crime: July 31, 2007
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Zanon killed Highway Patrol Officer Scott Russell when he attempted to use a spike strip to stop a car chase that had begun. Zanon was found asleep in his car with stolen property and had a warrant out for his arrest for a string of robberies that had occurred in the area. Zanon was also found to have been under the influence of meth at the time. When confronted, he took off and was ultimately charged with evading an officer, causing death, felony leaving the scene of an accident, receiving stolen property, murder and assault.
Sources: Sacramento Bee (CA) 7/29/10 (2010 WLNR 15045613), Sacramento Bee (CA) 8/4/10 (2010 WLNR 15518371), Sacramento Bee (CA) 8/5/10 (2010 WLNR 15543109), Sacramento Bee (CA) 9/15/10 (2010 WLNR 18308250), Sacramento Bee (CA) 9/16/10 (2010 WLNR 18347420), Sacramento Bee (CA) 12/14/10 (2010 WLNR 24663783).