Ex-Lawyer Given Prison Term for Killing Girlfriend

A former Lawndale criminal attorney has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for murdering his girlfriend nearly two years ago in her Torrance apartment.

James Vincent Robelen Jr., 55, received the sentence Tuesday for his conviction on first-degree murder charges and using a firearm during a felony in the shooting death of Pamela Gladys Puzach, 45.

During the trial, defense attorney Carl Jones argued his client was at most guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter because the couple had been engaged in a dysfunctional relationship. Jones told the jury that at the time of the slaying Robelen was severely intoxicated, and that Puzach’s addiction to cocaine had contributed to the shooting.

On Tuesday, Compton Superior Court Judge Enrique Romero denied a defense motion for a new trial.

The Jan. 26, 1992, slaying took place at Puzach’s apartment, after the couple had attended a Super Bowl party. According to police, the pair argued loudly and Robelen fired six times with a .357 caliber Magnum pistol, hitting Puzach in the head.

Puzach had worked as a paralegal for Robelen and had been romantically involved with him for at least 17 years, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Michelle Daniels.

Robelen will be eligible to apply for parole in about 16 years, Daniels said.