Ex-Convict Gets Death Sentence

An ex-convict was sentenced to death Wednesday for killing and robbing a 30-year-old man who refused to buy fake cocaine from him.

A San Fernando Superior Court jury June 30 had found Shawn Hill, 28, guilty of first-degree murder with special circumstances--commission of a robbery--in the Aug. 25, 1986, fatal stabbing of Stuart Margetts of Reseda.

The jury deliberated about six hours over three days in the penalty phase of the trial after hearing a day of testimony.

A witness testified that a few days before he committed the murder and robbery, Hill had robbed two people at knifepoint, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Rosalie L. Morton. His prior prison record was also presented to the jury, she said.

“They really felt it difficult to come in with a verdict of death,” Morton said. “They said it was a very hard thing to do, but it was necessary.

Considered a Threat

“They felt he was a menace to any community and very violent. They also felt that something has to be done about the violence and the criminality that is in the community,” she said.

Hill had completed a prison term for grand theft just 3 1/2 weeks before he was arrested for robbing and murdering Margetts, Morton said.

Margetts had come to the Pierce Park Apartments in Pacoima to buy stolen tools, according to court documents. But Hill offered Margetts wax covered with baking soda, claiming it was cocaine, Morton said.

When Margetts refused to buy it, Hill demanded money, the deputy district attorney said. As Margetts began to comply, Hill stabbed him in the chest, saying he was too slow, Morton said.

The jury had also found Hill guilty of the attempted murder and robbery two days later of 19-year-old Ronald Johnson. Johnson said he came to the Pierce Park apartment complex to buy cocaine and was confronted by Hill and two other men, according to police reports. Hill offered to sell Johnson the phony drug. When Johnson refused, Hill stabbed and robbed him, Morton said.

Morton said Hill, who sat expressionless while the death penalty verdict was announced, had a prior record dating to when he was 13 years old, including assault, robberies and auto theft.