Third Suspect Is Found Guilty in Girl’s Slaying

The sad saga of Shevawn Geoghegan’s murder in Santa Monica reached a conclusion of sorts on Tuesday, when a Superior Court judge convicted the third and final suspect in the strangling death of the 14-year-old girl.

Dennis Ronald Scott, 24, was found guilty of second-degree murder, which carries a mandatory sentence of 15 years to life in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 9.

In the Los Angeles Airport Superior Court, prosecutors argued that Scott, who lived with other homeless young people in an abandoned building near the Third Street Promenade, strangled Shevawn on Feb. 24, 1998 to impress fellow Satanist Glen Mason, 23, and a third runaway, Elizabeth Ann Mangham, 18.

On Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Bernard Kamins noted that Scott, unlike the other two, seemed to feel some remorse.

Mason, who orchestrated the killing and was convicted of first-degree murder, is serving two life terms without the possibility of parole, plus five years. Mangham, who helped tie up the victim and pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter, is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

“When you take a life, you’re not just ruining the life you took, you’re ruining the lives of the people who loved that person,” Kamins said.

Shevawn’s parents, Ed and Eileen Geoghegan, wept as the judge issued his ruling but refused to comment.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Stephanie Sparagna said: “We’re satisfied with the judge’s decision and very grateful.”

Scott maintained that he helped hide the body, but that Mason choked Shevawn to death.

“He leaned over and whispered into her ear and told her to walk toward the light,” Scott testified Monday, crying. “Then he felt her pulse and said, ‘No more Shevawn.’ ”