Self-Avowed Prophet’s Brother Convicted of Killing 5
The younger brother of a man who believed he was a prophet has been convicted of murdering five people, including the daughter of blues guitarist Elvin Bishop.
The Contra Costa County jury deliberated less than a day before finding Justin Helzer guilty of murdering 22-year-old Selina Bishop and four other people, including Selina Bishop’s mother and the mother’s boyfriend.
The killing spree took place during the summer of 2000. The dismembered remains of three victims were found inside gym bags floating in the Mokelumne River. Two other people were shot to death in Marin County.
Jurors heard five weeks of testimony about the slayings and an extortion scheme by Helzer; his brother, Glenn; and their roommate, Dawn Godman.
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