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The Brower & Associates Blog has been closely following the tragic Seal Beach Shooting trial, most recently blogging the allegations that an illegal informant was placed in Scott Dekraai’s cell to illicit incriminating statements.
In a new twist, Dekraai’s attorney told an Orange County judge on Monday that Dekraai will plead guilty to eight counts of murder in the 2011 killings at a Seal Beach salon. The plea will preempt a jury trial that was to begin in June.
Dekraii, 44, is accused of walking into the salon and shooting his ex-wife, Michelle Fournier, before opening fire on others inside the business and a man in the parking lout outside. The former couple were involved in a child custody dispute at the time of the shooting involving custody of their 8-year-old son, Dominic. Dekraai had been seeking sole custody, but a court ordered report recommended against it.
Although Dekraai will plead guilty, he could still face the death penalty for the killing of 8 people at Salon Meritage. Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals will make a decision on the punishment at a later date. Dekraai’s admission of guilt could be used as a mitigating factor by jurors who will recommend his punishment: life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.