Sanity Phase To Begin For Man Convicted In 2009 Murder Of Grandmother
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — The sanity phase of a trial for a 30-year-old man convicted of murdering his grandmother in 2009 is expected to begin on Monday.
Joseph Elija Ettima faces 27 years and eight months to life in state prison if jurors find that he was legally sane at the time of the murder, the Orange County District Attorney's office said in a department statement.
The 30-year-old man had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity but was found guilty on Feb. 4, of second-degree murder and other charges in the death of Emma Louise Hardwick–Street.
Authorities said Ettima stabbed Hardwick-Street to death before setting her home ablaze after she refused to let him move in with her.
The deadly incident occurred on Jan. 19, 2009.
At the time of the fire, Ettima's 8-year-old brother and 3-year-old niece were inside the home. Both managed to escape.