EL CAJON : Couple Plead Guilty in Man’s Slaying
A couple pleaded guilty Monday to charges stemming from the murder of a man who was on the losing end of a love triangle.
Kevin Roberts, 28, and Sheri Lynn Garcia, 27, of El Cajon changed their not guilty pleas before Superior Court Judge Allan J. Preckel on the day their trial was scheduled to begin.
Roberts pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the May 28, 1991, killing of Richard Drake, who was living with Garcia at the time of his death. Drake was shot in the back with two guns, and he was also stabbed in the back several times.
Preckel immediately sentenced Roberts to 30 years to life in state prison.
In the plea-bargain agreement, prosecutors agreed to drop an allegation that Roberts committed the murder while lying in wait, a charge that could have brought the death sentence.
Garcia pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
