Guard’s Killer Won’t Get Death
James Ferris, who murdered two women including a Chino youth prison guard, no longer faces a possible death sentence as San Bernardino County prosecutors decided not to make a third attempt to have him condemned.
Ferris killed guard Ineasie Baker, 42, of Rialto in August 1996 inside the Heman G. Stark Youth Correctional Facility as she was preparing to leave work.
A jury convicted Ferris of the murder last year. Prosecutors then asked the jury to recommend capital punishment in the penalty phase of the trial.
But both that jury and a later one deadlocked on the issue, with some jurors favoring life in prison without parole.
County Superior Court Judge Ingrid Uhler declared two mistrials.
Ferris will serve life in prison, and sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 21.
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