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| Erin Corwin/Facebook |
The courtroom at San Bernardino County Superior Court was packed when the verdict was read at approximately 1:45 p.m. PDT.
Leah Sanson, reporter for the Hi Desert Star, described the scene:
"The courtroom was completely quiet as the foreman read the verdict. Lee sat silently in the defendant’s chair as behind him, in the audience, his mother began to cry.
"His wife, Nichole Lee, was not in the room."
Prosecutor Sean Daugherty told Desert Sun reporter Colin Atagi that Lee will be sentenced Nov. 29.
The judge must automatically sentence Lee to life in prison WITHOUT the possibility of parole. According to FindLaw.com:
"State laws require a sentence of life imprisonment without parole or death for homicides involving special circumstances set by the California Penal Code."
The San Bernardino District Attorney's office put out a press release that reads, in part:
"This was a terrible crime that showed absolutely no regard for the value of human life," District Attorney Mike Ramos said. "Erin Corwin was just a young girl with her entire life ahead of her. And now, all that's left is her memory. While justice was served today, it can only be a small consolation to her family and friends who will have to suffer a lifetime of pain knowing she died such a senseless death.""The murder of Erin Corwin was solved by solid investigative work and devoted volunteers committing thousands of hours during the eight-week search," said Sheriff John McMahon. "We can't erase the pain felt by Erin's loved ones, but we will do everything in our power to imprison the criminal responsible for her murder."
The death penalty was removed as an option before the trial began, according to Christopher Lee (yes, same name), the public affairs officer for the San Bernardino District Attorney's office
The prosecutor said he's facing life in prison. What happened to the death penalty which he truly deserves. He murdered Erin and her unborn child. I thought lying in wait would qualify him for the death penalty
ReplyDeleteSomehow, this guilty plea just doesn't seem like enough. I actually think he should have to pay for the cost of the trial and attorney and every public dollar it took for this trial. He lied, wasted time,money and valuable resources only to confess (with drama but still a confession). There should be a punishment for that as well as the crime.
ReplyDeleteCalifornia hasn't executed anyone since 2006 anyways.
ReplyDeleteThat's not that long ago..Some states, it's been 10 yrs or more. They should've gave it to him!
DeleteYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe prosecutor has to give notice the he is seeking the death penalty before trial, however, there is no question that C. Lee will receive life without parole. Per state law the enhancements to the charges make this is mandatory.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mrs Roth ive been on the edge of my seat waiting on your words. You can relate thing better then most journalists. Excellent reporting!
ReplyDeleteI understand that Nicole could not make it to court in time to hear the verdict. I also understand they she became verbally abusive to Erin's mom and had to be physically removed from the area. Nicole needs to count her blessing, be quiet and go back to Alaska. How dare she attack Erin's mom like that.
ReplyDeleteWhat in the world would make Nichole Lee approach Erin's mother? What would make her say something abusive? This woman sounds like she has mental/emotional problems if she does not understand this situation calls for some comportment and dignity. No matter how you feel about Erin Corwin, this is beyond the pale. I hope someday Christopher Brandon Lee tells the truth about Nichole Lee's involvement in this. But I doubt he will.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe Nichole Lee is innocent, her behavior is not of an innocent person!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Beth Ford Roth. It means a lot to us. We are what may be called her extended family.
ReplyDeleteThe Death penalty should've been an option! He has no regard for Erin's life....Or her unborn child! He should be executed! It infuriates me when that option is taken off the table!! This monster (and his wife, too) DESERVE death row!!
ReplyDeleteWhy isn't his wife being charged as well? From her comments and behavior she played a major part in this murder. And shame on Mr Lee for trying to ruin Erin's character with that lame defense!
ReplyDeleteWhy hasn't his wife been charged as a conspirator? Her actions and statements clearly show she was a major part of Erin's demise!
ReplyDelete