Murderer, Trafficker Is Spared Death Row
A federal jury that found an alleged gang member guilty of murder and cocaine trafficking spared him the death penalty. John Bass, 34, was sentenced to life in prison without parole, said Gina Balaya, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney’s office.
He had been charged in 1997, but the case was slowed by a dispute over whether blacks were unfairly being targeted for federal death penalty prosecution.
In June 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned lower court rulings and said the federal government could seek the death penalty in Bass’ case.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
