Prosecutors To Oppose Release Of Man Who Raped And Murdered Stepmother, Family Friend
SANTA ANA (CBS) — Prosecutors in Orange and Riverside counties will team up Wednesday to oppose parole for a man who raped and murdered his stepmother and a family friend in 1975.
Gregory Coates, who was 17 years old at the time, raped and murdered his 48-year-old stepmother Betty Coates in her Orange County home May 4, 1975.
Coates wrapped the body in gasoline-soaked towels and set her on fire, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
Coates also raped and killed a friend's mother, 37-year-old Jean Marie Stephens, in her Riverside home earlier that same year.
Officials said on Jan. 22, 1975, after she caught him trying to steal her guns, Coates shot Stephens twice in the head with the gun he stole from her. Her body was found by her then 11-year-old daughter.
Coates, who is being held in the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo, was sentenced to 12 years to life in prison for both murders.
Orange County Deputy District Attorney Matt Lockhart and Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Judy Beck will argue against Coates' release.
Relatives of Jean Stephens will also attend the hearing.
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