SACRAMENTO –  Today, Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced that his office will continue to seek the death penalty in the case of Scott DeKraai, who pleaded guilty to murdering eight people and attempting to murder a ninth person at a Seal Beach hair salon in 2011.

“This tragic event has caused so much harm to far too many families,” said Attorney General Becerra. “After weighing the evidence, considering the law and the responsibilities of my office, I have concluded that the appropriate course of action is to seek the death penalty in this case.”

The Attorney General assumed responsibility for the prosecution of the penalty phase of the case after the California Court of Appeal upheld Orange County Superior Court Judge Timothy Goethals' order recusing the Orange County District Attorney's Office from the prosecution.

The victims were Michelle Fournier, Christy Wilson, Randy Fannin, Lucia Kondas, Victoria Buzzo, Laura Webb Elody, Michele Fast, and David Caouette. DeKraai also shot and wounded Hattie Stretz.

Attorney General Xavier Becerra / March 29, 2017