Sotolongo sentencing moved up due to Judge's schedule

 

Just found out Judge Lawrence Killoran is unavailable for Gearold Sotolongo's sentencing so it has been moved up to tomorrow 8:30 in Courtroom 3.  Sentencing was originally scheduled for June 24.

The jury found Sotolongo guilty of the lesser charge of second degree murder. The jury found true the special allegation that Sotolongo personally used a deadly weapon in the commission of the crime; a knife. Sentencing is on June 24. Sotolongo did not waive time for sentencing.  Sotolongo has 2292 custody credits. 

6/17: The maximum sentence for second degree murder is 15 years to life. Sotolongo was sentenced today for a total of 16 years to life ; one additional year for the special allegation.

DA Press Release:

Today, June 17, 2022, Judge Lawrence Killoran sentenced Gearold Sotolongo (aka Roldo Pratt) to 16 years to life in prison, the maximum allowable sentence, for the murder of Roger Yale. 

The sentence includes 15 years to life for second-degree murder and an additional year for using a deadly weapon to commit the murder. Under current California law, because he was convicted of murder, Mr. Sotolongo will serve every day of his sentence. 

The case arose from an incident in 2016 when Sotolongo and four of his friends approached Mr. Yale and engaged in an argument. Mr. Yale walked away from the confrontation and, in the belief that it was over, sat down on a curb. Sotolongo then walked up to Mr. Yale and stabbed him once in the heart.    A Humboldt County jury convicted Sotolongo on June 2, 2022. The issue of the defendant’s competency to stand trial and multiple changes in defense attorneys delayed the case. 

Prior to sentencing, family and community members expressed to Judge Killoran the profound sense of loss they feel without Roger Yale.

The District Attorney appreciates the willingness of witnesses to testify and the time and attention of those who served as jurors.   Our justice system relies on people to both provide evidence and provide accused persons with their right to a trial by jury.

Deputy district attorneys Roger Rees and Jessica Watson prosecuted the case, with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Marvin Kirkpatrick and Victim Advocate Holly Hensher. Private attorney Zack Curtis represented Mr. Sotolongo.

Previous post:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/06/sotolongo-jury-has-verdict.html?m=1