CALIFORNIA BRIEFING / VISTA
An 18-year-old street-gang member was sentenced Monday to life in prison without the chance of parole for the murder two years ago of an Oceanside police officer.
Penifoti Taeotui was convicted in November of slaying Officer Dan Bessant, 25, who was married with a six-month-old son. Superior Court Judge Runston Maino rejected a defense plea to allow Taeotui to be eligible for parole.
A second defendant, Meki Gaono, is set for trial next month.
Evidence at Taeotui’s trial indicated Bessant was killed by a rifle shot fired more than 100 yards away.
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