Nesler’s Sentencing Delayed for Cancer Therapy
Sentencing for Ellie Nesler, the Sierra foothills woman who fatally shot her son’s accused molester in a courtroom, was delayed Friday to allow her to undergo treatment for newly diagnosed breast cancer.
Nesler, who was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, will be sentenced Jan. 7 and could face up to 16 years in prison.
Prosecutors have called for the maximum to send a message that violence in pursuit of vengeance will not be tolerated.
Defense lawyers have recommended probation and counseling, saying that Nesler, 41, should not be “sacrificed on the altar of deterrence.”
On Tuesday, Nesler was found to have cancer, and prosecution attorneys agreed to a defense request to put off Nesler’s sentencing because exploratory surgery is set for Nov. 17.
Nesler said she is grateful to have learned about the cancer before going to prison, adding that she might not have survived a prison term.
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