California man gets prison in Las Vegas murder
A 23-year-old California man was sentenced to 30 to 76 years in prison for the slaying of a woman he shot through a door in March 2010.
Deandre Harris was convicted of first-degree murder in January for shooting Ashlee Ward, 21, at the Silver Pines Apartments, 6650 E. Russell Road, near Boulder Highway. He was also convicted of discharging a firearm into a structure and possession of stolen property.
Authorities said Harris was angry after learning his girlfriend, Laci Thornton, a Basic High School student at the time, had been accosted by several girls, including Ward, at a party at the apartment complex. Instead of calling police, Harris went to the party to confront the girls. When those at the party shut the door on Harris he fired a shot through the door, hitting Ward in the chest.
Harris has maintained his innocence and at a sentencing hearing before Judge Michelle Leavitt said he disagreed with the verdict and plans to appeal. He also offered his condolences to the victim's family. The victim's mother and two sisters spoke during the tearful hearing.
Thornton who was originally charged as an accessory, took a plea deal and testified against Harris. Thornton pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge and was sentenced to five years' probation.
