Murder: The Scary Truth, and How to Cope With It

Posted on March 28, 2008
Filed Under Criminal Law, Law, Laws, Los Angeles, News, Police, Story |

Murder in Los Angeles is a serious issue.  Since, January 2007, there have been almost 400 murders in Los Angeles, centralized in the metro area, but every part of the city and county has suffered.  The murder rate in Los Angeles is almost twice that of New York City, a city with twice as many people.  While Controller Laura Chick and LAPD Captain William Bratton have called for an increased police force, the reality is that murder is a major problem throughout Los Angeles City and County.  In 2003, just about one percent of Angelinos have suffered a violent crime (which includes murder).

Dealing with a murder charge is another major factor.  Witnesses, evidence, testimony and many other factors have to be taken into consideration while dealing with any particular case.

Just this year, a 46-year-old man was convicted of murdering a 60-year-old grandmother, and he may get the death penalty for it.  He was found guilty of sexually assaulting other women, as well as sexually assaulting and murdering the grandmother and leaving her body in the desert.  The man was a cocaine addict who struggled to make ends meet.  The defense for such an individual is difficult, as many factors work against him, including the age of the woman, his repeat offenses and drug use.

Recently two 16-year-olds were charged with the murder of an 87-year-old woman, and they could face life in prison if convicted.  These two teenagers were in gangs, and the current legal climate in Los Angeles does not look favorable on gang activity.

However, the determined work of attorneys in murder trials has not only helped those charged with murder, but those convicted of murder as well.  An inmate who had served 23 years in prison was recently released when it was found that a witness lied during his testimony at the trial.  The recent swarm of DNA evidence reversals has also been a major factor in helping innocent men and women get off death row, or freed from serving life sentences.

Written by Joe M

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