Possible Serial Arsonist Caught in LA

The LA Times reports that a person of interest of German nationality has been detained in connection with parking lot fires in Los Angeles. The multiple incidents have taken place in Hollywood, North Hollywood, West Hollywood and near Fairfax. There have been no injuries reported. News outlets reported on surveillance footage from a parking structure from one of the fires. The video shows a man between 20 to 30 years old, with a receding hairline and a ponytail whom authorities are calling a person of interest. Evidence is still being collected and police are working on clues and witness information. The incidents involve car fires in parking structures and apartment building carports, making residents in the area very nervous. Police have started to maintain better lit parking areas, and observe cars for evidence of tampering. See Penal Code Sections 450, 451.

Criminal Law Updates by the Law Offices of Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636


Here is video coverage from ABCNews

Supreme Court to take up Arizona Immigrant Law

About two years ago Republican Governor Jan Brewer and the Arizona legislature passed a bill making it legal for local police to stop people and make inquiries about their immigration status. The US Constitution specifies that matters of immigration shall come under the purview of the Federal Government only. As a result, the Attorney General of the United States challenged the Arizona law on constitutional grounds and a federal judge invalidated portions of the law which encroached on areas that fall under the exclusive power of the Federal Government. The state of Arizona appealed that decision and now the matter is going before the US Supreme Court.

The outcome of this decision is being watched closely by those who are concerned with the treatment of illegal immigrants as well as other groups who are generally concerned with the treatment of Latinos by authorities in the United States. The fear these groups have is that individuals will be singled out by police for being Latino- something clearly unconstitutional. In addition, the argument is being made that it makes little sense for local and federal authorities to have overlapping jurisdiction.

Criminal Law Updates by the Law Offices of Orange County Defense Lawyer William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636

No ‘Compassionate’ Release for Cop Killer

A doctor told the state parole board that Gregory Powell, a 78 year old inmate, is dying of prostate cancer and has 6 months to live possibly less than that. It was the inmate’s last attempt in requesting parole since his illness makes him eligible for a compassionate release. During the hearing no one spoke on his behalf and the board denied his release. The Los Angeles Times also reports that authorities said that the inmate would rather not be released. Powell is serving time for the execution style death of a police officer. Police officer Ian Campbell and Karl Hettinger pulled over Powell and another individual Jimmy Lee Smith. According to the article Powell aimed a weapon at Officer Campbell who then handed over his own gun. Officer Hettinger was also made to turn over his weapon. The two men then took the officers to an onion field close to Bakersfield. Officer Hettinger managed to escape Campbell did not. Campbell’s relatives and members of law enforcement prefer that Powell not escape his fate and that he die in prison.

Criminal Law Updates by the Law Offices of Orange County Defense Lawyer William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636

Here is an ABC7 Video covering this decision.

Lions, Tigers and Bears

The story of the owner of a private zoo in Ohio ends in tragedy. The animal preserve housed exotic animals, ranging from lions to wolves. According to reports, Terry Thompson released his 51 wild animals and then shot himself. When police arrived his body was surrounded by some of the animals. One report described that his head had bite marks. Thompson had a history with authorities over the years. There were complaints of poor conditions and maltreatment of the animals. He also served about a year for possession of illegal firearms. Why Thompson decided to end his life and essentially that of his animals is speculation. Officers initially used their weapons to kill some of the animals on site. In the end, they continued to find and kill the animals in order to avoid attacks on people. Tranquilizers were not used at night since it was too easy for the animals to hide.

Criminal Law Updates by the Law Offices of Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636

Orange County Inmates Guilty of Killing Fellow Inmate

Five inmates from Theo Lacey have been found guilty of second degree murder. The jury had to initially decide if the inmates were guilty of first degree murder but could not come to a unanimous decision. Judge James Stotler then had jurors decide between second degree murder and involuntary or voluntary manslaughter. The trial stems from the death of John Chamberlain who was himself an inmate and was beaten to death by other inmates. He initially survived his injuries and was breathing out of a tube. His eyes were swollen shut with various fractures. He eventually succumbed to his injuries and charges were brought. The controversy during the trial was that defense attorneys suggested that sheriff deputies authorized the beating by telling other inmates the victim was a child molester. The victim and inmate, John Chamberlain was awaiting charges for misdemeanor charges of possessing child pornography. At least one Orange County Sheriff Deputy was relieved of his position but none were prosecuted.

Criminal Law Updates by the Law Offices of Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636

33 Police Weapons Stolen

LAPD is investigating a break in at a SWAT training site. The building was once used by textile business and had been donated to SWAT. According to reports, a training exercise was going to take place on the site and the day before guns were placed inside locked doors. 21 MP-5 submachine guns and a dozen .45 caliber handguns were placed in a locked box and then found to be missing the next day. The building does not have surveillance cameras or an alarm system. The intruders got through bolt locked doors and a metal roll gate. The weapons have been manipulated so that they only shoot blanks, but adjusting them to shoot live rounds is relatively easy for someone knowledgeable about weapons. LAPD detectives are working every angle whether it might have been an inside job or if the building had been under surveillance. Authorities have been informed of the theft in order to be aware of the possible danger they could face during an incident should the weapons fall into the wrong hands.

Criminal Law Updates by the Law Offices of Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636

Seal Beach Shooter Appears in Orange County Court House

The arraignment for Scott Dekraai, the Seal Beach shooter, will be postponed to November 29, 2011. He is charged with eights counts of first degree murder, and one count of attempted murder according to the Los Angeles Times. The special circumstance of committing multiple murders was also included in the charges and carry the death penalty. The suspect’s attorney asked the court for more time in order to gather a defense team. District Attorney Tony Rackauckas believes Dekraai’s attorney will go for an insanity defense. Dekraai’s family law attorney spoke of his client’s need for medications to treat depression and one for preventing seizures. The judge will have the jail medical staff evaluate Dekraai. According to news reports the courtroom was full with relatives and friends of the victims from the Seal Beach incident. They did not speak with the media. The defendant is said to have opened fire at a salon where his ex-wife was working killing 8 and leaving one in the hospital. It is believed that Dekraai had been involved in a custody dispute with his former wife.

Criminal Law Updates by the Law Offices of Orange County Defense Attorney William W. Bruzzo (714) 547-4636