Hattie Stretz, second from left, a survivor of the 2011 Salon Meritage shooting, is comforted by Bethany Webb and family as she speaks to Scott Evans Dekraai during a victim impact statement in superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017. Dekraai who pleaded guilty to the worst mass killing in Orange County history was sentenced to eight terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, one term for each of his victims by Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Scott Evans Dekraai reacts as Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals sentences Dekraai in superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, September 22, 2017, to eight terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, one term for each of his victims and seven years to life for attempted murder, for the Salon Meritage shooting rampage in Seal Beach in 2011. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Paul Wilson, the husband of Christy Lynn Wilson, a manicurist killed at Salon Meritage in 2011, points as he speaks to Scott Evans Dekraai during a victim impact statement in superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Scott Evans Dekraai, left, and his attorney Scott Sanders listen to a victim impact statement in superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017. Dekraai who pleaded guilty to the worst mass killing in Orange County history, was sentenced to eight terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, one term for each of his victims and to seven years to life for attempted murder by Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
An emotional Doug Childers speaks to Scott Evans Dekraai during a victim impact statement in superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017. Dekraai who pleaded guilty to the worst mass killing in Orange County history was sentenced to eight terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, one term for each of his victims and to seven years to life for attempted murder by Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Scott Evans Dekraai reads a statement to the victims families and friends in superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017, just prior to to Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals sentencing Dekraai to eight terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, one term for each of his victims and to seven years to life for attempted murder for the Salon Meritage shooting rampage in Seal Beach in 2011. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Scott Evans Dekraai, who pleaded guilty to the worst mass killing in Orange County history, is led into superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017, for sentencing. Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals sentenced Dekraai to eight terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, one term for each of his victims and one sentence, seven years to life for attempted murder. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Scott Evans Dekraai, who pleaded guilty to the worst mass killing in Orange County history, pauses prior to being sentenced to eight terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, one term for each of his victims and to seven years to life for attempted murder by Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017, in Santa Ana. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
An emotional Gordon Gallego speaks to Scott Evans Dekraai during a victim impact statement in superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017. Dekraai who pleaded guilty to the worst mass killing in Orange County history was sentenced to eight terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, one term for each of his victims and to seven years to life for attempted murder by Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals speaks during the sentencing of Scott Evans Dekraai, in superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Scott Evans Dekraai, left, reacts as he sits with his attorney Scott Sanders, right, as Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals sentences Dekraai, in superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017.(Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Scott Evans Dekraai reads a statement to the victims families and friends in superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017, just prior to to Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals sentencing Dekraai to eight terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, one term for each of his victims and to seven years to life for attempted murder for the Salon Meritage shooting rampage in Seal Beach in 2011. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Deputy Attorney General Michael T. Murphy speaks to Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals just prior to Goethals sentencing Scott Evans Dekraai to eight terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017. Dekraai plead guilty to the worst mass killing in Orange County history at the Salon Meritage in 2011. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Scott Evans Dekraai, left, listens to his attorney Scott Sanders speak to him moments after Dekraai said, “Sorry Paul,” as Paul Wilson gave a victim impact statement in superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017. Wilson’s wife was killed by Dekraai, who pleaded guilty to the worst mass killing in Orange County history and was sentenced to eight terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, one term for each of his victims and to seven years to life for attempted murder by Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Scott Evans Dekraai, left, with his attorney Scott Sanders, speaks to Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals in superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017, just prior to Goethals sentencing Dekraai to eight terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, one term for each of his victims for the Salon Meritage shooting rampage in Seal Beach in 2011. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals speaks to Scott Evans Dekraai, in superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017, just prior to Goethals sentencing Dekraai. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Scott Evans Dekraai, left, with his attorney Scott Sanders, right, listens to Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals in superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017, just prior to Goethals sentencing Dekraai. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Scott Evans Dekraai, who pleaded guilty to the worst mass killing in Orange County history, is led from superior court in Santa Ana on Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2017, following sentencing. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Scott Evans Dekraai, who pleaded guilty to the worst mass killing in Orange County history, was sentenced Friday, Sept. 22 to eight terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, one term for each of his murder victims.
“The gates of Hell flew open and you emerged as the face of evil in this community,” Goethals told Dekraai before pronouncing the sentences, which included a ninth term of 232 years to life, for attempted murder and several gun-use enhancements.
The case dragged on as evidence mounted showing widespread misuse of jailhouse informants by local prosecutors and sheriff’s deputies. Goethals eventually ruled out capital punishment for Dekraai, saying the prosecution team’s misconduct had made the “once unthinkable” ruling his preferred option.
“The criminal justice system here in Orange County has largely failed you,” Goethals told the families of Dekraai’s victims.
“You deserved better.”
Goethals also repeated Friday what he has said in earlier court hearings, that he probably would have sentenced Dekraai to death if prosecutors and deputies had handled the case differently.
“I think it is highly likely that a jury would have convicted you and recommended I sentence you to death. I probably would have done exactly that.”
Instead, Goethals said, he was protecting “the rule of law and the integrity of the criminal justice system” by not imposing a death penalty.
He said Dekraai will spend his days in “a cramped, concrete cell” in a maximum security prison.
Families of the victims wished far worse for Dekraai. Before going on his rampage, the ex-husband of a co-worker at the hair salon where most of the victims worked had visited their homes, played golf with their spouses, knew their children.
“I hope you have a prison husband who is as evil as you are,” said James Spisak-Finch, cousin of victim Lucia Kondas.
Spisak-Finch wore a T-shirt emblazoned with Kondas’ picture. He demanded that Dekraai look at it.
“I don’t know if you looked at this face before you put a bullet in it. So look at it now,” he said.
“You took so many lives besides the eight you took with your gun.”
Through their tears, the families took turns addressing Dekraai. Many shouted “shut up” when he tried to apologize before his turn to speak.
Butch Fournier, whose sister, Michelle, was divorced from Dekraai, stared intently at the former tugboat crewman.
“I finally get to look you square in the eye and tell you what a piece of garbage you are,” Fournier said. “Take a look around, Scott. You’ve got nobody; no family, nothing.”
Renee Hudson, Michelle Fournier’s sister, had a special wish for Dekraai.
“I want you in general population. I want you to feel scared like my sister. I want the worst for you each and every day,” said Hudson, her brother, Butch, rubbing her back as she spoke.
Gordon Gallego, who was working at the salon the day of the shooting but wasn’t shot, described taking refuge in a bathroom during the rampage. He said he heard his friend Laura Webb Elody beg for her life. Then he heard her take her last breath.
“The screams and the gunshots still ring in my ears,” Gallego said.
“I hope today closes a chapter on a book no one wanted to read.”
Three family members took the unusual step of thanking Dekraai’s lawyer, Assistant Public Defender Scott Sanders, for doing his job well. His allegations about misconduct – which were born out during the hearings – have become central to a debate about the quality of justice in Orange County.
“I only wish the Orange County District Attorney had … the integrity not to cheat,” said Paul Wilson, whose wife, Christy, was killed. Wilson is supporting County Supervisor Todd Spitzer who is running to replace District Attorney Tony Rackauckas.
Dekraai was allowed by the judge to make a statement. Dekraai’s tone was apologetic, but he maintained that a “peaceful resolution could have been achieved” with his ex-wife.
“I can’t imagine the pain I’ve caused,” he said. “Hearing what I’ve heard today is so dynamic.”
Dekraai said he has had limited contact with people over the past six years, giving him time to reflect on his “despicable crime.”
Dekraai said no penalty could be harder than the punishment he imposed on himself. And then, “with remorse and incredible regret,” Dekraai said he was sorry.
Rackauckas, who was thrown off the case in March 2015 by Goethals, said in a tearful press conference days after the Seal Beach shooting that he would seek the death penalty for every Dekraai victim. He did not attend the sentencing Friday.
Both the Orange County District Attorney’s office and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department issued statements Friday offering sympathy for the families involved.
State prosecutors also believe Dekraai deserved the death penalty, though they said Friday they will not appeal Goethals’ ruling.
The sentencing, and the revelations of misconduct that came to light during the Dekraai case, could echo through next June’s elections. Rackauckas is seeking another term and several candidates hope to replace Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, who is retiring.
Goethals said there were no winners in the case, only losers.
“At the end of the day, the only winner here is the rule of law.”
Goethals, who handled death penalty cases as a prosecutor and a defense lawyer, and now as a judge, described the Seal Beach shootings as a crime of such “horrible magnitude, they can hardly be compared to any others in the history of Orange County.”
This photo combo shows the people who were killed during a shooting at a salon at Seal Beach, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011. On the top row, from left, are Michelle Fournier, Michelle Fast, David Caouette and Christy Lynn Wilson. On bottom row, from left are Laura Webb Elody, Lucia Bernice Kondas, Victoria Ann Buzzo and Randy Lee Fannin. (AP Photo)
At 3:40 p.m. Friday, Dekraai entered a bus bound for prison, likely one of 12 reception centers in California, including the centers inside the men’s prisons at Wasco and Chino, according to the Department of Corrections and the Sheriff’s Department.
Dekraai is expected to spend about two months being tested by corrections officers for, among other things, his mental health, propensity for violence and medical needs. After that, he’ll be sent to one of the state’s 12 maximum security prisons.
