The Region - News from Jan. 12, 1986

A 24-year-old Los Angeles man has been sentenced to 26 years to life in state prison for the first-degree murder of his former employer, who had testified against him in an auto theft case. Michael Chandler pleaded guilty to bludgeoning Russell J. Kroopf, a sporting goods shop manager, in the victim’s Hollywood home in June, 1984. Authorities said the killing took place a day after Chandler got out of jail after serving six months for the auto theft. The defendant, who was sentenced by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Paul Turner, had faced a maximum term of life in prison without possibility of parole. He could be eligible for parole in 13 years, authorities said.