July 11, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

State Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence in Casino Killing

Court news on WestsideToday.com. (Thinkstock)
Court news on WestsideToday.com. (Thinkstock)

The California Supreme Court upheld on June 5 a former Los Angeles resident’s death sentence for robbing and murdering a woman he followed from the Hollywood Park Casino in Inglewood more than 16 years ago.

Donald Ray Debose was sentenced to death in July 1999 for the Dec. 17, 1997, attack on Dannie Kim, 32, of Walla Walla, Wash., who was followed out of the casino after gambling and was found later that morning in the trunk of her burning Chrysler LeBaron in front of an Inglewood elementary school. The woman – who suffered severe burns and had been shot – died five days later from her injuries.

“Here, Kim was held captive before she was killed. Her captivity took place, at least at the end, in full public view on a residential street. Her pleading and arguing with defendant attracted the attention of witnesses who heard the commotion,” the State’s highest court noted in its 47-page ruling.

Debose also was convicted of attempted murder and second-degree robbery of another woman, who survived being shot in the head after being followed home to Rancho Cucamonga from the same casino on Dec. 23, 1997.

Security cameras from the casino recorded the movements of Debose and two other men, Carl Higgins and Anthony Flagg, with video footage showing the three appearing to monitor Kim’s gambling activities, the State’s highest court noted in its 47-page ruling.

Jurors recommended that Debose be sentenced to death for the crimes and that Higgins and Flagg each be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

In its appeal, the defense contended that Debose’s death sentence is disproportionate to the life prison terms to which Higgins and Flagg were sentenced.

“Here, defendant’s death sentence is proportionate to his individual involvement and culpability. Coupled with the circumstances of the crimes, the evidence strongly points to defendant as the shooter of Kim; furthermore, less than a week later, defendant, acting alone, viciously attacked, robbed and shot a second victim … in the head at point-blank range. It moreover is reasonable to infer that because defendant was the only one involved in both incidents, he planned and orchestrated them,” the justices found.

The State’s high court reversed one of the two special circumstances jurors had found true – arson-murder – against Debose, noting that the arson did not involve an inhabited structure or property as required under state law for the special circumstance. The ruling does not affect the other special circumstance – murder during the commission of a robbery – which alone is sufficient to make Debose eligible for the death penalty, the panel noted.

Related Posts

California Seizes $476 Million in Illegal Cannabis

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The operation, described as UCETF’s largest to date, involved support from multiple state agencies The state confiscated $476 million worth...

The Reservoir Play Opens at Geffen Playhouse

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The play follows Josh, whose life is unraveling, as he receives unconventional support from his grandparents. Their unsolicited advice, judgments,...

Angelini Grill Opens Limited Run at Peninsula Beverly Hills

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The menu includes tableside Dover Sole, lobster salad, and a signature pasta tasting A new culinary collaboration, Angelini Grill, launched...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

The Bar at Century Plaza to Celebrate National Caviar Day with Exclusive Tastings

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The seven-hour event will feature exclusive caviar tastings and champagne pairings The Bar at Fairmont Century Plaza will host a...

Westwood Village Cooking Class to Showcase Spanish Paella

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The class will guide participants through crafting both seafood and vegetarian versions of the iconic Spanish dish Food enthusiasts will...

Unmasking ICE: Senators Push for Visible IDs After Secretive LA Immigration Raids

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bill Requires Federal Agents to Display Visible Identification During Raids U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) on...

Bacio di Latte’s Beverly Hills Gelateria Debut Blends Italian Tradition with California Cool

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Gelateria Features In-House Gelato, Espresso Drinks, and Decadent Signature Flavors Bacio di Latte has officially opened its latest U.S. flagship...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

Brentwood Feels Impact as Feds Slash Office Leases Across Los Angeles

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

New Tracker Reveals Over 70,000 Square Feet Cut in 2025 Alone Los Angeles County’s office market is experiencing a fresh...

Lost Bunny on the Beat: Beverly Hills Police Seek Owner of Wayward Rabbit

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Fluffy Wanderer Found Near City Hall, BHPD Caring for Missing Pet The Beverly Hills police are caring for a domestic...

Interview: The Dinah Creator Mariah Hanson on Legacy, Change, and the Future of Queer Celebration

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

After 34 Groundbreaking Years, Hanson Reflects on Joy, Power, and Her Final Dinah  We spoke with Mariah Hanson, the creator...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

One Last Bite: La Novia Bids Farewell with Final Pop-Up at Cardinale du Vin

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Inventive Latin-Asian Pop-up Serves Seasonal Small Plates for One-Night-Only La Novia, the pop-up kitchen known for its inventive Latin-Asian flavors,...