People v Stauch: The jury has reached a verdict. It will be read in 30 minutes.
VERDICT REACHED in Letecia Stauch trial. We’re expecting to hear the verdict in the next 30 minutes, along with any statements from family members (if they intended to do so) A press conference at the District Attorney’s office is expected this afternoon.
The jury deliberated for about 8 hours. They started deliberations at 1 p.m. on Friday. They resumed this morning at 9 a.m., and reached a verdict just before 1 p.m. today.
Dozens of community members and people tied to the case, likely at least 30-40 people, are lined up outside the courtroom to hear the verdict.
The courtroom is filling in and court staff are preparing an overflow room for additional seating where the verdict will be live-streamed.
Sheriff Joe Roybal is in the courtroom now.
District Attorney Michael Allen just briefly asked people in the courtroom to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner when the verdict is read, and that any overwhelming emotions be taken outside of the room to preserve the judicial process.
The jury is entering the courtroom now.
GUILTY: The jury finds Letecia Stauch guilty of first degree murder in the death of her stepson, 11 year old Gannon Stauch. A press conference with District Attorney Michael Allen is expected this afternoon.
@KKTV11News will livestream that.
Tampering with a deceased human body charge, and tampering with physical evidence charge, the jury also found Stauch guilty on both.
Judge says “I want to thank all of you for your service … you were willing to be open minded and impartial … you payed attention all day, every day,” to the jurors.
Stauch - Guilty all 4 counts! Questions:
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Everyone in the courtroom seems to have listened to the judge and the DA’s words about controlling emotions and reactions in the courtroom. Gannon’s mom and dad are both in tears.
Both the prosecution and the defense say they’re ready to go ahead to sentencing right away. The judge is taking 30 minutes to speak one last time with the jury before court resumes for sentencing.
Letecia Stauch did not appear to have a physical reaction when the verdict was read from where I was seated, behind her. Her posture remained the same as we’ve seen throughout trial. Still, and her head slightly angled down.
For further clarification, the guilty verdict means the jury does not think Letecia Stauch met the legal definition of insanity when Gannon was murdered. Stauch pled not guilty by reason of insanity, and her attorneys said she had a “mental break” when killing Gannon.
Nicole Mobley is giving a statement to the court. She testified for the prosecution as having been involved in the search efforts for Gannon. She thanked the judge for this trial process.
“Gannon wasn’t just a neighbor, he was all of our little boys.” One neighbor of the Stauch’s says to the judge.
Gannon’s great aunt just asked the judge if she can give a bible to the court, to be given to Letecia Stauch, for her to have during her time in prison.
Gannon’s mom, Landen Bullard, is speaking to the court. “I miss you Gannon, and I love you to the moon.”
Al Stauch, Gannon’s father is giving his statement to the court. “This is a lifelong journey of pain.”
Al Stauch asked the judge that Letecia Stauch be stripped of his last name, saying it has been “infuriating” to hear her referred to as “Ms. Stauch.”
When Judge Werner asked Letecia Stauch if she wanted to say anything to contribute to his decision on her sentencing, Stauch said, “no sir.” Judge is going to take 10 minutes to put his sentencing together. Court will be back at 3:25.
“A parent’s worst nightmare is getting a phone call letting them know that something has happened to their child,” Judge Werner says to begin sentencing Stauch.
“Ms. Stauch, you betrayed the person you loved enough to marry,” Werner says.
“You forever altered the future … They will never know the kind of impact their son may have had on the world,” Werner adds, referring to Gannon’s parents being impacted by this.
Judge Werner is commending Harley Hunt, Letecia Stauch’s daughter, talking about the strength it took for her to testify against her mother.
Judge Werner condemns Stauch’s use of the not guilty by reason of insanity plea.
“You have shown no remorse throughout this process,” Werner says to Letecia Stauch.
“The facts in this case are the most horrific that I have ever seen,” Judge Werner says, before sentencing Letecia Stauch to two life in prison sentences without the possibility of parole, along with additional sentencing for additional charges.
As Letecia Stauch was taken out of the courtroom in handcuffs moments ago, one person in the courtroom shouted an obscenity at her while clapping.
