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E-mail Story1 shooting death, 2 overturned convictions, 3 trials equals 27 years to life
| Thursday, May 15 2008 10:24 AM
Last Updated: Thursday, May 15 2008 1:09 PM
The outcome came as no surprise Thursday as Kern County Superior Court Judge Louis P. Etcheverry sentenced convicted murderer Glenn Maurice Johnson to 27 years to life in prison for the shooting death of Lamar Rufus at a south Bakersfield convenience store in 2002.
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Glenn Maurice Johnson in Kern Country Superior Court at his third trial for the murder of Lamar Antawon Rufus in 2002.
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Johnson, dressed in a blue jail smock and restrained by manacles, whispered a few questions to his attorney during the hearing, but otherwise showed little reaction to what will likely mean a lifetime behind bars for the 30-year-old.
Rufus' mother, Estelle Jarrett, who had endured three trials in six years because two earlier convictions were overturned, spoke briefly in open court. She addressed her comments directly to the man who was convicted in March of killing her son.
"I hope they never let you out to hurt another family," she told Johnson. "You do not deserve to get out."
Deputy District Attorney Arthur Norris said afterward that Jarrett had not only endured a parent's worst nightmare related to the violent death of her son, the nightmare had continued, he said as she attended three trials in six years.
The sentence reflected exactly what the law dictates, Norris said.
"I'm very satisfied with the sentence," he added. "And I'm thankful that the victim's family can ... begin their lives again as best they can."
Michael Lukehart, the attorney who defended Johnson, said he would file an appeal.
In April, Lukehart entered a plea of "once in jeopardy," also known as double jeopardy, on behalf of his client.
Johnson's second conviction of second-degree murder in 2005 was thrown out in August 2006 by the 5th District Court of Appeal because the court said Norris withheld key evidence from the defense.
Lukehart contended that a possible acquittal was prevented by the prosecution's action, even if that action was not intentional. As such, the third trial amounted to double jeopardy.
But Lukehart's gambit was rejected by the court.
Johnson was convicted of second-degree murder for driving the getaway car during the crime, thereby enabling co-conspirator Arthur Lenix to shoot and kill Rufus. Johnson was also convicted of conspiracy and accessory.
Lenix is serving 50 years to life in state prison.