A Los Angeles County jury has recommended life in prison without parole for two men convicted of murdering a man and his stepdaughter on New Year’s Eve in 2006.
A judge has scheduled a sentencing hearing for Matthew Ian Koontz, 36, and Jonathan Blackwell, 29. Koontz and Blackwell were convicted in January of first-degree murder for killing Raul Cruz and Jessica Cipriano.
Cruz and Cipriano were fatally shot when Koontz and Blackwell broke into their apartment on December 31, 2006. Micaela Estrada, Cipriano’s mother and Cruz’s common-law wife, was wounded.
If you have been arrested for murder in Los Angeles, you need to obtain the best possible defense you can find. At Okabe & Haushalter, we believe we can provide you with the level of criminal defense representation you need during this difficult time. Few crimes are more serious than first-degree murder, and you can expect to be vigorously prosecuted by the district attorney assigned to your case. You need someone who can negotiate on your behalf, put up a tough defense, and not cower when the prosecution presses you hard. Should you choose to work with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at Okabe & Haushalter, you can trust the appropriate steps will be taken to defend your rights and increase your chances of securing a favorable verdict!
Contact Okabe & Haushalter today to schedule a consultation to discuss your charges!
