Del Mar
A 20-year-old man who killed his best friend was sentenced Wednesday to six years in the custody of the California Youth Authority.
Simon James Oakes was 19 when he fatally shot Daniel Fripp, 22, on March 6 in Oakes’ parents’ home. Oaks pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Bernard Revak said Oakes’ sentencing was very difficult to decide. The judge could have sentenced him to 11 years in state prison or put him on probation.
Witnesses called by the defense said Fripp was not welcome in the Oakes home and had used methamphetamine with James Oakes before.
The judge said that he does not believe Oakes is a danger to society and that the shooting was an isolated event.
Revak allowed Oakes to remain free until Monday because Oakes has a college exam to take Friday.
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