Man Convicted In Hit-And-Run That Killed Girl, 13, Walking Along PCH
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A jury found a man guilty of second-degree murder in a hit-and-run crash that killed a 13-year-old girl walking along Pacific Coast Highway.
On the night of April 3, 2010, Sina Khankhanian was allegedly upset and suicidal over losing his job. He drove his Mitsubishi Lancer recklessly along Topanga Canyon Boulevard and then north on PCH in Malibu, reach speeds of 70 mph.
When Khankhanian reached Heathercliff Road, his car veered, striking Emily Rose Shane as she walked on the side of the road. The young teenager died at the scene.
A jury in January failed to reach a unanimous verdict in the case, which led to a mistrial.
In this second trial, Khankhanian's attorney argued that his client was not guilty of murder. He said, at most, he was guilty of vehicular manslaughter. His lawyer also argued that Khankhanian suffers from autism and does not fully comprehend what happened that night.
Nevertheless, the jury convicted Khankhanian of second-degree murder. He faces up to 16 years to life in prison when he is sentenced June 15.
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