Posted on: February 9, 2023, 03:53h.
Final up to date on: February 9, 2023, 04:47h.
Two ladies have been convicted Wednesday for robbing and murdering an 84-year-old lady in a restroom at Temecula, California’s Pechanga Resort On line casino, in line with an area information report.
The Murrieta, Calif. jury deliberated for simply two hours earlier than concluding that Candace Tai Townsel, 42, and Kimesha Monae Williams, 38, each of Moreno Valley, have been responsible of the loss of life of Afaf Anis Assad of Lengthy Seaside, Calif.
The 2 have been convicted of first-degree homicide, theft, elder abuse, and a particular cost of killing through the course of a theft, with nice bodily harm, Patch reported.
The 2 ladies have been on the on line casino on August 31, 2019. They have been on the look ahead to individuals from whom they might steal. Simply as they have been prepared to go away the on line casino at 7:30 a.m., they noticed Afaf Assad and her 92-year-old husband stroll into the gaming property.
He went right into a gaming room and he or she went right into a ladies’s restroom. Williams and Townsel adopted Assad into the rest room and stood by an exit whereas she went right into a stall. A short while later, Assad left the stall and walked towards a sink.
One of many suspects then allegedly yanked a pink purse from her. The pressure used to swipe the bag severely bruised her left arm, prosecutors mentioned. The opposite suspect allegedly pushed Assad, who fell, placing her head on the ground.
The duo stored a custodian from getting into the restroom till after they fled with the purse. Inside was between $800 and $1,200 in money.
Whereas nonetheless on the gaming property, Townsel was “skipping and waiving her arms in a celebratory vogue,” prosecutors mentioned.
Suffered Mind Hemorrhage
When the custodian entered the restroom, she discovered Assad bleeding and unconscious. She contacted on line casino safety and EMTs who supplied preliminary remedy.
Assad was rushed to Inland Valley Medical Middle in Wildomar, Calif. She didn’t regain consciousness and docs decided she suffered a mind hemorrhage, Patch mentioned. Three days later, she died.
Utilizing surveillance video and witness statements, the homicide was investigated. The 2 ladies have been arrested a few week later.
Their trial started final month and witness testimony lasted for a number of weeks. Prosecutors and protection attorneys introduced closing arguments on Tuesday.
The sentences will likely be introduced by Riverside County Superior Court docket Decide Timothy Freer. A date for the sentencing has but to be scheduled.
Life in Jail Probably
Given the costs, each defendants are more likely to be sentenced to life in jail, in line with Patch. There doubtless will likely be no choice for parole, the report mentioned.
Townsel continues to be held on the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, Calif. Williams is being held on the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside, Calif. Neither was given bail.
Williams has prior convictions for auto theft, housebreaking, and grand theft whereas Townsel was beforehand convicted of theft and driving on a suspended license.
Williams is the sister of Los Angeles Clippers basketball participant Kawhi Leonard, in line with The Press-Enterprise, a California newspaper.
