Post by toddsmitts on Aug 26, 2009 12:10:18 GMT -5
www.mercurynews.com/localnewsheadlines/ci_13203236?source=rss&nclick_check=1
The victim died 18 years ago. No body was ever found. The weapon — most likely a gun — was probably destroyed.
But prosecutors and police say they finally got their man: Bernardo Bass, now 50, quietly pleaded no contest earlier this summer to voluntary manslaughter in the death of prostitute Dawn Sanchez and was sentenced last week to a prison term of six years.
Six years may not seem long enough, even for voluntary manslaughter, or killing someone during a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion.
But Los Altos Police Chief Charles "Tuck'' Younis credited his detectives and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office with resolving a tough case in the face of limited evidence.
"This goes to show the voice of victims never truly dies when you have determined detectives,'' he said. "I understand why people would wonder about the sentence, but given the facts in this case, it's clearly an acceptable resolution.''
More at the article.
The victim died 18 years ago. No body was ever found. The weapon — most likely a gun — was probably destroyed.
But prosecutors and police say they finally got their man: Bernardo Bass, now 50, quietly pleaded no contest earlier this summer to voluntary manslaughter in the death of prostitute Dawn Sanchez and was sentenced last week to a prison term of six years.
Six years may not seem long enough, even for voluntary manslaughter, or killing someone during a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion.
But Los Altos Police Chief Charles "Tuck'' Younis credited his detectives and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office with resolving a tough case in the face of limited evidence.
"This goes to show the voice of victims never truly dies when you have determined detectives,'' he said. "I understand why people would wonder about the sentence, but given the facts in this case, it's clearly an acceptable resolution.''
More at the article.
