38-year-old Leon Walford has been given a life sentence after he was found guilty of the murder of 49-year-old American national Lamont Edward Lipka. Justice Sandcroft handed down the judgement earlier today, but since Walford has already spent 4 years and 9 months on remand, he has 42 years and 3 months remaining.
Lipka was an American businessman who was executed back in 2018 at his establishment in San Pedro. In 2022, Justice Ricardo O'Neil found two suspects guilty of murder, but 25-year-old Tracey Betancourt remains at large.
On Friday, a mitigation plea was heard on behalf of Walford, and Justice Sandcroft also heard virtual impact statements from Lipka's mother and four sisters. After the emotional testimonies, Sandcroft commented that he had a lot to consider, and so he adjourned the sentencing until today.
Walford was granted the possibility of parole, but only after 47 years behind bars.
In May of 2018, Lipka was tending his restaurant
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