Photo of a judge's gavel and handcuffs on top of books.

Defendant Sentenced to Prison in 1974 National City Cold Case Murder

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Carlin Cornett, 70, was sentenced to five years-to-life in prison on June 7, for the 1974 murder of Christy Bryant, a former Marine and 7-Eleven clerk. Bryant was stabbed more than 30 times in the back room of the store during her night shift in National City.

“When a murder is unsolved for decades, it takes an enormous toll on the victim’s loved ones, but now the family of Christy Bryant have a measure of justice after many years of mourning their loss,” DA Stephan said. “I am grateful to our Cold Case Unit and detectives in the National City Police Department who worked tirelessly on this case until it was solved, and the killer was brought to justice.”

The case was a priority for National City Police.

“The National City Police Department would like to thank every law enforcement agency that assisted us with this investigation,” said National City Police Chief Jose Tellez. “This collaboration led to the arrest and conviction of a dangerous murder suspect. The exemplary work performed on this nearly 50-year-old case highlights the National City Police Department’s unwavering commitment to solve cases and to hopefully give families of victims a sense of closure and justice.”

Cornett pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on April 26. In 1974, the punishment under the law for second-degree murder was five years to life in prison.

The case was solved with the DA’s Cold Case Homicide Unit working in collaboration with the National City Police Department, which exhausted every lead and never gave up. Their work was possible through the grant-funded Cold Homicide and Research Genealogy Effort, (CHARGE) which applies investigative genetic genealogy to cold case homicides led by the DA’s resident genealogist Deputy District Attorney Laura Tanney.

On July 31, 1974, Bryant was working the overnight shift at the 7-Eleven on Highland Avenue in National City when she was attacked. After being stabbed more than 30 times, she died at the scene. During the struggle, the defendant cut himself with the knife and left a blood trail as he fled the store. The blood was unidentified for almost 50 years until the National City Police Department in collaboration with CHARGE applied the new tool of investigative genetic genealogy to the unidentified blood. An investigative lead was generated, and the defendant was ultimately identified as the attacker through a standard DNA test.

The District Attorney’s Office commended the National City police department for their outstanding investigative work on this case over the many years it was unsolved, especially retired detectives Raymond Estrada and David Bavencoff, and current Sgt. Mark Segal.  

This case was prosecuted by the team leader of the DA’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, Deputy District Attorney Chris Lindberg.

DA Prosecutor and Victim Advocate Recognized for DUI Homicide Work

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that two members of the DA’s Office were recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at the annual MADD San Diego Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Recognition Awards held Thursday, June 8 at the Balboa Park Recital Hall. Deputy District Attorney Hailey Williams was named Prosecutor of the Year for her work in the DA’s DUI Homicide Unit. Victim Advocate Shanda Torres was recognized with the MADD Outstanding Advocate Award for her work with victims of DUI cases.

“I want to thank Mothers Against Drunk Driving for their years of advocacy and education on the harm and loss that driving under the influence causes,” said DA Stephan. “This recognition by MADD of Deputy District Attorney Hailey Williams as Prosecutor of the Year and DA Victim Advocate Shanda Torres as Outstanding Advocate is very special to our entire DA team that fights for justice on behalf of crime victims and our community. Unfortunately, DUI homicides have increased in recent years, resulting in the tragic deaths of far too many in our community. Prosecutors like Hailey are helping to deliver a level of justice for the victims and their families, along with the compassionate assistance of Victim Advocates like Shanda. I am very proud to have them both on our team and I know that this award is very well-deserved. I also want to offer our thanks and congratulations to all the other awardees that are making a difference.”

In 2022, the DA’s DUI Homicide Unit prosecuted 27 cases and so far in 2023, there have been 8 cases. Recipients of these awards are chosen through MADD’s call for nominations process. The organization reaches out to community partners, law enforcement agencies, local officials and their internal victim advocates asking them to nominate individuals who stand out in the community with regards to DUI-related work. Every year, MADD honors law enforcement officials for their continuous efforts in driving under the influence enforcement. This year, in person, the event recognized law enforcement with awards for the number of DUI arrests made annually. According to MADD, each arrest is a life saved and MADD awards their service as they dedicate their lives to keeping our roads safe.

“We are honored to acknowledge prosecutors and advocates from the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office,” said Patricia Rillera, California State Executive Director for MADD. “MADD San Diego appreciates the meaningful opportunities to collaborate with the San Diego DA’s Office as we work towards a day of no more victims.”

Deputy DA Hailey Williams was nominated by Deputy DA Laura Evans of the DA’s DUI Homicide Unit. Williams started prosecuting DUI homicide cases in 2019, when she was assigned to assist the unit as the numbers of DUI-related deaths in San Diego were on the rise. Despite maintaining a general felony case load in addition to DUI cases, Hailey welcomed the role and excelled in it. She has handled 10 or more of these tragic, serious cases, sentencing many defendants to multiple years in state prison. For instance, in 2022, Hailey went to trial on a difficult gross vehicular manslaughter case in which the defendant was high on methamphetamine and killed his passenger. Hailey’s skills at presenting the facts of her case and cross-examining defense witnesses resulted in a guilty verdict on every charge within a day of deliberations.

Given Hailey’s success and passion for these cases, she has been assigned many of them, including Watson murder cases with significant and tragic facts. Not only does Hailey excel in the prosecution of these cases, but she is exemplary when it comes to her empathy with the family members that have lost loved ones because of a defendant’s decisions. Despite her hectic case load and the court time that these cases require, Hailey makes it a point to keep in consistent contact with all next-of-kin, informing them every step of the way and providing them direct access for any questions. Her caring nature allows families to trust her with bringing justice to their loved one. Hailey is also part of the training team for new Deputy DAs, specifically organizing and presenting a day-long training on DUIs to the new classes.

Victim Advocate Shanda Torres was nominated for the award by MADD San Diego Victim Service Specialist Nicole Jupiter for her ability to assist with Spanish speaking families and being a helpful resource for MADD, responding promptly any time the organization inquires about a case.

Other award recipients were Deputy City Attorney Ryan Harris of the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, who was also awarded Prosecutor of the Year; Chief Deputy City Attorney Kristen Foster of the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, who was also awarded MADD Outstanding Advocate Award; CHP San Diego’s Sergeant Brian Pennings, Officer Gilberto Jacobo, Officer Jake Sanchez and Officer Juan Escobar, who were all awarded for Outstanding Agency Dedication; San Diego Police Officer Anthony Carrasco and SDPD Officer Joseph Cabrales, El Centro Police Officer Daniel Valencia and La Mesa Police Officer Jesse Neumeister were all awarded the Outstanding Rookie Award; the MADD Century Award went to Carlsbad Police Officer Tyler Hubka, who made 101 DUI arrests, Carlsbad Police Officer Ricardo Huerta, who made 125 DUI arrests, and San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Malson, who made 115 DUI arrests; and finally the MADD Top Cop awardee was Escondido Police Officer Timothy Hamilton who made 212 DUI arrests.

Meet Administrative Analyst Ronald Agarma

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Administrative Analyst Ronald Agarma, who began working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2005 as a Student Worker. He is currently an Administrative Analyst III in the Human Resources Division, where he helps coordinate recruitments for various positions within the office and handles other human resources related duties. Read more about what inspired Ronald to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?

“Before I started as a Student Worker at the South Bay Branch, I had a few different jobs within the County and in the private sector. Something that stuck out to me was the camaraderie within that branch. I liked it so much I spent the next 10 to 11 years of my life there. I wanted to spread that feeling throughout the office and was lucky enough to do so by joining the Human Resources team.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“The people…whether its meeting with new hires to go over paperwork or seeing old coworkers from 15 years ago, I love talking to them all.”

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you/why is it important to you?

“I think about my parents and how they got here. I love asking them to tell me the stories on how things were in the Philippines, how they got here and how they assimilated in this new country. So, I think AAPI Month is a great way to celebrate the different journeys of all AAPI immigrants and citizens and their unique traditions and cultures.”

 

Meet Legal Support Manager Nathaniel Amarento

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Legal Support Manager Nathaniel Amarento, who began working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2005 as a Student Worker. He is currently the Legal Support Manager (LSM) working in the Superior Court Division, Administration, Special Operations and Trial Support Services. As an LSM, he works behind the scenes to ensure our units and divisions run smoothly, resolving issues, answering questions, and finding ways to work efficiently. He also helps with requests such as, needs for programs/access through the Information Technology Department and obtaining quotes to purchase items needed for our Deputy DA’s cases. Read more about what inspired Nathaniel to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?

“Having a career in law enforcement and at the DA’s office is a great opportunity, which I think it could be considered as both direct and indirect ways to serve the community and touch so many lives. It’s good to know that I’m here to make a difference and be a part of improving our society.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“My favorite part of the job is not only knowing our office is seeking justice but also seeing everyone in the DA’s Office grow. I’ve seen people come in as a student workers or Office Assistants and move up. Some of them becoming Deputy DAs, paralegals, supervisors, and LSMs.  It feels good knowing I’ve contributed to the growth and development of staff within the District Attorney’s Office.”

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you/why is it important to you?

“This is a great question to address. It brings me great pleasure that our community is taking a moment to recognize the Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. To me, it means remembering our own history and being proud of who we are. Hopefully, it gets people to explore and discover what Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures have to offer in terms of food, language, and history. We can share all of the positive contributions that our culture has given to the world.”

 

Meet Senior DA Investigator Felipe Chee

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Senior DA Investigator Felipe Chee, who began working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2016. He is currently a Senior DA Investigator assigned to the Computer and Technology Crimes High Tech Task Force (CATCH) Team in the Economic Crimes Division, where his primary duties are digital forensic examinations and high-tech investigations, as well as testifying in a variety of cases from a digital forensics’ perspective. Read more about what inspired Felipe to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?

“When I was in college, I had an aptitude for tech, but I wanted a career that did not involve sitting in front of a computer. I joined the military reserves and a good number of personnel in my unit were in law enforcement. I really enjoyed the camaraderie and the common goal of trying to make the world a safer place. Fast forward many years, when I was assigned to CATCH as an outside agency personnel, I really liked the family atmosphere here at the DA’s Office and the goal of pursuing justice and protecting victims. I applied and was offered a DAI assignment to the same unit I enjoyed working at. Looking back, it was the many mentors in the law enforcement community that shaped me. It was the mentoring that led me to choose a career in law enforcement.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“I really like how I can apply my skills to provide more insight into the who, what, when, and how. The digital world encompasses everyone from defendants to victims and witnesses. I find digital evidence to be challenging and dynamic. I really enjoy explaining my findings from the digital domain.”

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you/why is it important to you?

“AAPI Month to me recognizes and celebrates the diversity of everyone such as heritage, cultural and up bringing. I grew up in a unique background growing up as an Asian American living along the U.S and Mexican border. I also believe with diversity we all share similarities in many ways. For those that know me, I love to eat and to try different foods. AAPI Month for me is also centered around food because sharing a meal together brings everyone closer.”

Meet Criminal Legal Secretary Kaitlyn Kueter

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Criminal Legal Secretary Kaitlyn Kueter, who began working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2016 as a Student Worker. She eventually came onboard full time in 2018 when she started working with the DA’s Victim Services, where she discovered her passion for helping victims. Five years later, she is now a Criminal Legal Secretary at One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center working alongside others that have the same passion for helping victims and seeing them get back on their feet. Her current role at One Safe Place includes working closely with partnering agencies like Palomar Health, the FBI, HHSA and many more with any trainings, interviews, conferences, and events they want to host at the center. She assists others on her team with an extra hand whether it’s in reception, the child waiting room or any of the conference rooms. Read more about what inspired Kaitlyn to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?

“Growing up, my parents taught me how to become a big advocate for helping others, so I learned pretty early on that I wanted to play a part in making a difference in a someone’s life, even if that meant working behind the scenes. In my current position at the DA’s office, I am glad that I can help others on our team succeed in changing someone’s life.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“My favorite part of this job is walking around One Safe Place and seeing a victim’s demeanor go from being helpless to becoming hopeful and happy. Knowing that I work with such an amazing team to get them to that point is extremely fulfilling!”

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you/why is it important to you?

“To me, AAPI month is a chance to reflect on the sacrifices my grandparents made coming to America. If it wasn’t for their sacrifice, I would not be where I’m at today. AAPI month is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to show people what’s special with my culture, the contributions and the influences made through our traditions. It’s also a reminder to myself that I am just as much Chinese as I am Caucasian.”

 

Meet Deputy DA Eric Tran

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Deputy District Attorney Eric Tran, who began his career at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2014. He is currently a Deputy DA in the Appellate and Training Division where he provides support to our office in the areas of motion practice, appellate practice, legal research, policy, ethics, legislation, training, and public records. Read more about what inspired Eric to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?

“Our mission to pursue equal and fair justice for all and to build safe neighborhoods in partnership with the communities we serve by ethically prosecuting those who commit crime, protecting victims, and preventing future harm.  As an agency, we are fortunately tasked with a fairly straightforward duty to follow the law and do what’s right, ethical, and fair. For me personally, our mission and values provide a fulfilling career that is hard to replicate elsewhere.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“The primary reason I enjoy being a prosecutor in our office is the feeling that I am doing something important and doing it with the best team. With each member of our office, I have the privilege of pursuing justice in a manner that has an impact on the people and communities we serve. Walking out the door every morning, it is easy to step into a role where I can feel rewarded in the service of others and accomplish something that will affect people in a positive way.”

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you/why is it important to you?

“To me, AAPI Heritage Month is a celebration of American diversity and an opportunity to appreciate cultures and experiences other than one’s own. AAPI Heritage Month is in May for two reasons:

1) to commemorate the arrival of the first known Japanese immigrant to the U.S. on May 7, 1843; and

2) to honor the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which upwards of 20,000 Chinese workers helped to construct. Each May, our nation recognizes the contributions of the generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have enriched United States history, and those who continue to contribute to our nation’s social fabric.”

Meet Deputy DA Melissa Ocampo

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet Deputy District Attorney Melissa Ocampo, who began her career at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2010 as a certified legal intern in the Gang Unit and then became a graduate law clerk in 2011.  She officially became a Deputy District Attorney in November 2012. Melissa is currently a Deputy DA in the North County Branch where she prosecutes vertical hate crimes and general felonies. Read more about what inspired Melissa to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?
“I am a proud San Diego native and have always wanted to dedicate myself to a career serving others in our community. When someone becomes a victim of crime it can be very traumatizing and violating of one’s sense of safety. For some, it can become the darkest hour of their lives. Crime also causes a rippling effect, not only affecting the individual victim but the community as a whole. I chose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office because it allows me to represent the People of a community I love and to be the light for victims in their hour of darkness. San Diego is also a very diverse county with a large Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) presence.  As a Filipina American, I strive to be someone the People can trust to be their voice, especially those of AAPI decent who might otherwise be unfamiliar or hesitant to be involved in the criminal prosecution process.”

What is your favorite part of the job? 
“As a Deputy District Attorney, I get to make a difference in the lives of others daily. From being a staunch advocate for crime victims, to being a fair and ethical prosecutor handling a defendant’s case, I get to do the right thing each and every day and to proudly answer up on behalf of the People.”

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you/why is it important to you? 

“Historically, AAPI’s have been lumped together into a singular group – ‘Asians.’ However, AAPI’s are comprised of a diverse group of people across roughly 50 ethnic groups (with connections to Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and other Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries) with rich histories, cultures, and traditions. AAPI’s deserve to be celebrated, recognized, and promoted for their contributions to this country, then and now. Growing up as a Filipina American of immigrant parents, I have experienced firsthand and been witness to overt and implicit instances of discrimination and bias. AAPI month is important to me because it is a time for all of us to come together to honor AAPI contributions to society, celebrate our diversity, and teach about our histories and culture. In light of the recent rise in anti-AAPI hate crimes and incidents, there is now more than ever a collective need to uplift the AAPI community.”

One Safe Place Volunteer of the Year Recognized

Today, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors recognized One Safe Place volunteer Brenda Wright as Volunteer of the Year 2023 for outstanding service to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the citizens of San Diego County. Brenda loyally and consistently volunteers her time and talents to One Safe Place, the North County Family Justice Center, a project of the San Diego County District Attorney.

One Safe Place is a one-stop-shop for victims and survivors of abuse and trauma.  Brenda started her service the first week the center opened in July, 2022, and has continued to volunteer multiple times a week since then, making the guests and members of One Safe Place feel seen, heard and supported.

Brenda is an “all hands on deck” kind of volunteer. Some days, Brenda spends time simply sitting next to victims in the welcome lobby on their most broken day, offering them a smile, comfort, and reassurance. She’s become so good at this, that the model is now referred to as the “Brenda friend in the lobby” program named after Brenda Wright.

On other days, Brenda helps kids participate in social emotional learning curriculum in the child waiting room, to the point that kids don’t’ want to leave her care. Sometimes, Brenda accompanies victims to the “Dress to Thrive” boutique to help them select donated clothing to wear for an upcoming court hearing or simply to take on a new independence in their lives. In the hours Brenda spends with these guests, she makes them feel dignified and worthy at a time when they need it most.

Brenda is an army of one – willing to restock and organize snacks for those that come in hungry, assemble care kits that include stress balls and Kleenex for victims to provide comfort as they escape an abusive relationship, or run logistics for large One Safe Place community events such as elder abuse awareness events or animal abuse and pet wellness events. Brenda has a passion for art, and brings her talents to One Safe Place, by creating centerpieces and facilitating arts and crafts projects for partner agencies and for our guests and members.

In September 2022, at One Safe Place’s “Celebrating Diversity Event,” Brenda facilitated an art project where she helped guests and members create beautiful paintings using resin art.

Brenda has quickly become part of the fabric of a center that exists to provide hope, healing, and justice to those that walk in the doors. Victims are immediately comforted by Brenda’s smile and her quality of care and service. Brenda Wright is a shining example of what volunteerism across San Diego County should be.

Meet Supervising Investigator Chris Raagas

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Month), which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet District Attorney Supervising Investigator Chris Raagas, who began his career at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2013. Chris is currently the Supervising Investigator for the Superior Court Division, he is also part of the DA’s Bureau of Investigation’s training cadre and has several collateral duties as a defensive tactics instructor, range safety office and Special Services Team Coordinator. Read more about what inspired Chris to pursue career in law enforcement at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?
“I majored in Criminal Justice in college and always wanted to give back to the community and help those in need. After working in law enforcement for several years, coming over to the DA’s Office provided me the opportunity to continue working criminal investigations, but still be able to spend quality time with my family.”

What is your favorite part of the job? 
“Knowing that you had some part of making a case successful when the Deputy District Attorney is able to obtain a guilty verdict. Bringing justice to a victim and closure to a family who is grieving, is a very rewarding experience.”

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you/why is it important to you? 
“It is important because it recognizes the challenges Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders overcame when migrating to this country. As a child of a Filipino immigrant, my father came to this country after enlisting in the Navy. His hard work and perseverance showed me that you should never limit yourself and to keep moving forward, no matter how challenging things get.”