Despite warnings from authorities that the sentences Daniel Gore faces could be wafer thin, depending on how juvenile laws are read, the horror-obsessed Salem youngster found guilty of the rape and murder of 13-year-old Milana Lion Mothers Day 2022 was sentenced to life in prison on Monday.
In less than ninety minutes last month, a Washington County jury found Gore, now eighteen, guilty of first-degree rape, murder, and sexual abuse after hearing two weeks’ worth of evidence. Prosecutors said the case was maybe the most heinous local crime in two decades.
Prior to sentencing, chief prosecutor John Gerhard stated that the defendant has already received significant breaks from juvenile justice reform and that this court does not need to give him any more opportunities to harm our community.
The highest penalty permitted by law, life in prison with the prospect of parole after 38 years and four months, was agreed upon by Circuit Judge Ricardo Menchaca.
However, Gore will actually be eligible for parole in less than 15 years according to changes made by lawmakers in 2019. As early as seven years from now, teenage defendants may be eligible for a second look hearing that would allow them to request sentence reductions midway through their imprisonment.
When Gore lured Li, a Conestoga Middle School student, into the woods behind the Progress Ridge shopping center, he was a 16-year-old Salem fugitive. Gore brought Li’s body to a creek and buried her under a tarp after strangling her to death, effectively killing the only person who saw his sex crimes.
We’ll be updating this breaking story.
For The Oregonian/OregonLive, Zane Sparling reports on court proceedings and breaking news. You may contact him at [email protected], 503-319-7083, or pdxzane.
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