Levy Murderer Gets 60 Years: Jessica Gresko of the Associated Press reports that the man convicted of first-degree murder in 2001 for the disappearance and death of Washington intern Chandra Levy, was sentenced today to 60 years in prison. Levy's remains were found in Rock Creek Park, the same location where repeat felon Ingmar Guandique had attacked other female joggers. Prosecutors had asked for a life sentence arguing that Guandique showed no remorse and has had a history of violence.
Defendant Could Face Death Penalty in Campus Stabbing: Henry K. Lee of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Laungastasi Ahio, 21, who has been charged with fatally stabbing Jared Afu, 19, and could face the death penalty after prosecutors added a special circumstance allegation of murder while lying in wait. Prior to the murder, prosecutors allege Ahio and Afu had argued over a woman at the campus of Mills High School in Millbrae, CA. If Ahio is found guilty, he will be eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
State Court Reinstates Murder Conviction: Adam Lynn of The News Tribune reports that the Washington State Supreme Court has reinstated the murder conviction of Kristina R. Grier, 50. The unanimous decision overturned an appellate ruling ordering new trial based on her ineffective assistance of counsel claim. Grier was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 18 years for shooting Gregory Owen, 29, during an argument in her home. In a strange twist, the jury declined to find she was armed with a handgun when she shot Owen. The lower court held that, by failing to request that the jury be allowed to consider convicting Grier on a lesser charge, the defense attorney was ineffective. The Supreme Court noted that the "all-or-nothing approach" taken by defense counsel was reasonable under the facts of the case.
Defendant Could Face Death Penalty in Campus Stabbing: Henry K. Lee of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Laungastasi Ahio, 21, who has been charged with fatally stabbing Jared Afu, 19, and could face the death penalty after prosecutors added a special circumstance allegation of murder while lying in wait. Prior to the murder, prosecutors allege Ahio and Afu had argued over a woman at the campus of Mills High School in Millbrae, CA. If Ahio is found guilty, he will be eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
State Court Reinstates Murder Conviction: Adam Lynn of The News Tribune reports that the Washington State Supreme Court has reinstated the murder conviction of Kristina R. Grier, 50. The unanimous decision overturned an appellate ruling ordering new trial based on her ineffective assistance of counsel claim. Grier was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 18 years for shooting Gregory Owen, 29, during an argument in her home. In a strange twist, the jury declined to find she was armed with a handgun when she shot Owen. The lower court held that, by failing to request that the jury be allowed to consider convicting Grier on a lesser charge, the defense attorney was ineffective. The Supreme Court noted that the "all-or-nothing approach" taken by defense counsel was reasonable under the facts of the case.
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