Only On 2: 27-Year-Old Woodland Hills Woman Sentenced For Fatally Shooting Mother In 2013
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Authorities said a 27-year-old Woodland Hills woman guilty of the fatal shooting of her mother was sentenced Thursday to two consecutive terms of 25 years to life in state prison.
Laura L. Purviance pleaded no contest on June 30 to one count of first-degree murder and admitted using a handgun in the commission of the crime.
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Deputy District Attorney Sharon Ransom says Purviance lured her 61-year-old mother, Caroline Purviance, into her bedroom and then shot her in the back of the head on February 13, 2013.
The defendant took the victim's car and fled to Oregon where she was arrested two days later, the prosecutor said.
In court Thursday, the victims loved ones spoke out.
"My life will never be the same," said friend Lauren Santos, "I am forever changed by her early departure. I will always miss her. Her loss will never get easy."
Kathryn Purviance also choked back tears while talking about her mom.
"So, I was the one who first found out what happened to mom. I was the one who had to break the news to my family. I was the one who talked Laura into turning herself in. And I wish to God I had told her to drive off a cliff instead," Kathryn said.
She added, "I hate Laura. I wish Laura was dead. Not a moment goes by that I don't wish that. If she felt that she had to kill, she should have killed herself rather than steal my mommy from me. I want Laura to get the full and complete lawful consequence for the crime she committed."