Parolee Sentenced to Death in Niece’s Slaying
A paroled rapist was sentenced to death in Long Beach on Thursday in the sexual assault and slaying of his 12-year-old niece.
Judge Charles D. Sheldon followed a jury’s recommendation and imposed the maximum sentence on Eloy Loy, 47, in the 1996 murder of Monique Arroyo.
Loy, who refused to go to court for sentencing a week ago, did not appear at Thursday’s hearing, said Jerrianne Hayslett, a Los Angeles Superior Court spokeswoman.
Loy has apparently told authorities that he is afraid he will be attacked in prison if his face is shown on television at his sentencing hearing, Hayslett said.
Defendants must appear at their sentencing hearings unless they file a waiver of appearance. Loy’s attorney, Peter Larkin, filed such a waiver Wednesday, Hayslett said. Larkin could not be reached for comment.
Jurors last month convicted Loy of murder with a special circumstance allegation that he committed the crime “during a lewd and lascivious act on a child under 14.”
Loy was arrested in the killing after returning to prison for violating his parole on sexual assault convictions. He had been staying with a brother in Long Beach when his niece was reported missing. Detectives used DNA evidence to link Loy to the murder.
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