LA County DA George Gascón supports ban on death penalty in federal cases
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LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón who issued a directive barring prosecutors from seeking the death penalty in any new murder cases upon taking office last month announced Tuesday that he supports a measure that would ban the death penalty in federal cases.
The county s top prosecutor said in a written statement that he wholeheartedly supports legislation to be re-introduced by Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., and incoming Senate Judiciary Chairman Richard Durbin, D-Illinois, to prohibit the use of the death penalty at the federal level and to require re-sentencing for those who are currently on death row in such cases.
David McKnight-Hillman
Two 18-year-olds have been charged with the murder of David McKnight-Hillman, a youth counselor who was fatally beaten while trying to break up a fight at a Los Angeles group home, according to officials.
Keith Lewis and Nyier Mason each face one count of murder, the Angeles County District Attorney s Office announced on Wednesday. Get push notifications with news, features and more. + Follow
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If convicted as charged, they could receive a possible maximum sentence of 15 years to life in prison. We all grieve for David McKnight-Hillman and his family, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. As prosecutors, we will fulfill our constitutional duty to hold accountable the people responsible for his murder and offer the assistance of our Bureau of Victim Services to
Scenes from Wednesday of the mostly white group of violent extremists storming the US Capitol, easily pushing past a sparse and subdued police force, contrasted sharply with the overwhelming response by law enforcement to largely peaceful, multiracial Black Lives Matter protests last summer.
Joseph Gilbert Solano, 50, an LA Sheriff s deputy, was fatally shot last year
Rhett Nelson, 30, allegedly shot Solano in back of head at a fast food restaurant
Nelson was also charged with murdering a professional Russian skateboarder
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón took office last Monday
He came into office promising sweeping reforms in criminal justice
Gascón plans to eliminate enhancements that result in longer prison sentences
In Nelson s case, Gascón wants to do away with gun charges
If a judge agrees, Nelson would face 40 years in prison with possibility of parole
Solano s sister, Christina Solano, was outraged, calling Gascón disgusting