Friday, September 27, 2002 -
PASADENA -- Following an emotional proceeding and bitter words from the defendant, a Superior Court judge imposed the maximum sentence on a convicted murderer Friday morning.
Kai Duran Wright, 23, received 57 years and four months to life, for the slaying of Antonio Lopez, a rival gang member who was staying at a drug rehab center on East Montana Street when the early morning shooting occurred Aug. 8, 1997.
Judge Terry Smerling said he based his decision on "the carefully planned, unprovoked nature of this attack, and Mr. Wright's complete lack of remorse and apparent continued anger.'
Prior to sentencing, Lopez's fiancee, Alisa King, addressed the court.
"Me and Tony had a son together,' she said, sobbing.
"My son is never going to see his father,' she told Wright. "I want you to know that.'
"Shut up,' Wright responded, bringing gasps from some in the courtroom.
Wright's sister, Dellashawn Haley, then called out.
"He didn't kill anybody,' she told the judge, who threatened to have her removed from the courtroom.
"He don't care,' Wright said. "You don't care about my life.'
About 20 of Wright's friends were on hand, criticizing the investigation that led to his arrest.
Meanwhile, District Attorney Peter Bliss, applauded Smerling's sentencing.
"Obviously the judge did the right thing,' he said. "He gave him the maximum sentence (which was) supported by the defendant's comments.
"He's clearly a cold-blooded killer,' he said. "It was an execution-style murder.'
Wright's first conviction came as a minor at age 15 and involved possession of firearms. A similar arrest came at age 16.
In 1999 he was arrested twice on drug charges and once for stealing a car.
According to court papers, "It was known that victim Lopez was fearful of participating in the mandatory morning walks each day because of the exposure to the Pasadena gang members, which he realized were primarily Bloods.'
Court papers say Lopez had ties to the Altadena Black Crips.
Wright's attorney said he would appeal the sentence.
Wright gets 57 to life in killing
Harsh emotions fill courtroom