Prosecutor’s Office Announces Pandemic Era Murderer Given Four Life Sentences, But Will Be Eligible for Parole Hearing in 25 Years | Lost Coast Outpost

Today, Judge Lawrence Killoran sentenced Wesley Lee Starritt, 26, for the murder of Mr. Roger Mitch Clark on May 18-19, 2020, the murder of Mr. Charles LeVaugh on December 4, 2017, and the murder of Mr. Charles LeVaugh on December 4, 2017. sentenced him to four life sentences for the attempt. The murders of Bryon Tatum on April 20, 2020, and Ciuleandra Smith on May 13, 2020. Each of his victims was a stranger to Mr. Starritt.

Sentencing Mr Starritt, Judge Killoran said: “No words are needed. These murders are inexplicable, cowardly and monstrous; And… all I could think was that even those adjectives couldn’t describe him well enough. It doesn’t fully reflect how horrific these actions truly are. And unfortunately… I can’t find anything redeeming about the defendant or his character at this time…. While I was having a hard time deciding what to say to all of you today, I really thought that at the end of the day, I would talk about the people who lost their lives, what wonderful members of the community they were. how much they will be missed and… focusing on the two men who lost their lives and just trying to be grateful that the defendant was not successful in attempting to kill Bryon Tatum and Ms. Smith.”

Mr. Levaugh’s sister, Charlotte LeVaugh-Paul, addressed the judge before sentencing and described her brother as a generous man who was always helping others, saying: “My brother was a good man (,) kind to everyone.” Charlotte detailed the effects of losing her brother on her family, including her mother, who sadly passed away before seeing Mr Starritt’s sentencing.

Mr. Clark’s son, Mitchell Clark, and his niece, Kimberly Perris, expressed their family’s great loss at the hands of Mr. Starritt. Mitch recalled his father’s service in the armed forces and his dedication as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff. But Mitch’s description of his father’s contributions to Eureka and Humboldt County shows how this loss affects everyone: “He was a member of the Eureka community for over 50 years and was a local business owner until his retirement just a few years ago… many people both locally and nationally generously to charity. For example, every year for Christmas he would buy bicycles for local underprivileged children. “He was a wonderful, generous man who did not deserve to die this way.”

Kimberly described her uncle and aunt (who predeceased her): “…They worked tirelessly, were invested in the success of their business, and dedicated to supporting their employees. Although they personally lived simple and frugal lives, they were extremely generous to others and donated to many causes in which they believed. One example of their compassion was their annual support of Toys for Tots, where they donate money and toys to children in need…. Uncle Mitch was known for his vivid childhood memories and storytelling ability. “Even though he looked grumpy on the outside, he had a big heart and cared deeply about his family.”

The investigation of each of these cases was conducted by the Eureka Police Department with assistance from the Eureka Problem Oriented Policing Team and the Humboldt County Drug Task Force. Without the hard work of detectives, patrol officers, and forensic technicians at the Eureka Police Department, these crimes would not have been linked so quickly and a suspect identified and arrested. The case was first prosecuted by District Attorney Stacey Eads, then by Assistant District Attorney Roger Rees, with the assistance of District Attorney Investigator Rick Bise and Victim Advocate Michala Pelran, and others.

Mr Starritt waived his right to appeal any aspect of his sentence and will have to serve every day of his sentence because he was convicted of murder. Under California law, Mr. Starritt will be eligible for a parole hearing after serving 25 years of his life sentence.