Latest Legal News from the Criminal Courts of Los Angeles, California and the U.S.

March 31, 2008

Parolee Convicted of Skid Row Stomping Murder

LOS ANGELES – A parolee who stomped a woman to death on Skid Row two years ago was convicted of murder today by a Superior Court jury. The jury returned the second-degree murder conviction against 54-year-old Gregory George Hampton after a day’s deliberation. Hampton faces a 15-year-to-life prison term when he returns to court on April 24 for sentencing by trial judge Marcelita C. Haynes.

Kristi Morales, 49, was knocked to the ground and stomped by Hampton on May 3, 2006. Deputy District Attorney John Niedermann said there was no known motive for the attack.

Authorities said a passerby tried to intervene and stop the beating, which occurred shortly after 9 a.m. near 5th and San Julian streets. The passerby was knocked to the ground, but eventually flagged down police officer. Hampton was arrested and has been held on just over $1 million bail.

Morales was hospitalized and died five days after the attack.

The charges against Hampton alleged a long history of convictions on various felony crimes dating back to early 1972. Niedermann said the defendant was on parole on a 2001 burglary conviction in Pasadena when Morales was beaten to death.

It was Hampton’s second trial. The first trial in 2007 ended with a deadlocked jury.

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CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

JOSEPH SHEMARIA

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Latest Legal News from the Criminal Courts of Los Angeles, California and the U.S.