Former Manhattan Beach cop-gone-wrong Shelton headed soon for murder case in Louisiana
I don't have much on this, but former Manhattan Beach police Sgt. Shawn Shelton will soon be relocated from his Nevada prison cell to a jail in Louisiana to face murder charges.
Shelton, 41, left, waived extradition last Friday and will soon be flown to Natchitoches, where he is accused of killing 19-year-old Justin James, right.
Shelton could have fought being extradited to another state to face trial, but he apparently chose not to. He'll likely be housed in a county jail instead of a prison while awaiting his case.
Natchitoches prosecutors believe Shelton drugged James with morphine, cocaine and Xanax and attempted to sexually assault him. James died from the combination.
Shelton already is serving a sentence of 35 years to life for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in Las Vegas about five months later. He kidnapped the boy at a bus bench, drove him out into the desert and assaulted him.
The Daily Breeze has been a leader in covering this story.
James' mom keeps me informed of what's going on periodically by email and phone calls. She has sought justice for nearly three years.
The fact that Shelton soon will be on his way to a Louisiana courtroom is very important to her and her husband.
She told me:
The Shelton story still amazes me. How did someone go from a fast-rising cop whose hand I shook to a child predator to an accused murderer?
Shelton, 41, left, waived extradition last Friday and will soon be flown to Natchitoches, where he is accused of killing 19-year-old Justin James, right.Shelton could have fought being extradited to another state to face trial, but he apparently chose not to. He'll likely be housed in a county jail instead of a prison while awaiting his case.
Natchitoches prosecutors believe Shelton drugged James with morphine, cocaine and Xanax and attempted to sexually assault him. James died from the combination.
Shelton already is serving a sentence of 35 years to life for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in Las Vegas about five months later. He kidnapped the boy at a bus bench, drove him out into the desert and assaulted him.
The Daily Breeze has been a leader in covering this story.
James' mom keeps me informed of what's going on periodically by email and phone calls. She has sought justice for nearly three years.The fact that Shelton soon will be on his way to a Louisiana courtroom is very important to her and her husband.
She told me:
"This has been a long drawn out process. Lynn and I have fought this every step of the way! You don't raise a child 19 years for someone like this to come in and kill him."
The Shelton story still amazes me. How did someone go from a fast-rising cop whose hand I shook to a child predator to an accused murderer?
8 Comments
Leave a comment
About the Blogger
Larry Altman has covered crime in the South Bay since 1990. He's seen it all - the missing model who turned up dead in the desert, the wives found dead in trunks, the high-school coaches who get a little too close to their players. He drives his young colleagues nuts with his "I remember when" stories. He welcomes your tips and observations about the present, and you can mix in a little Lakers basketball talk if you like.
E-mail Larry at larry.altman@dailybreeze.com.
ADVERTISEMENT
|
|
ADVERTISEMENT
|
|
To uphold the law is a very important duty that has to be rested on the right shoulders. There is nothing worst than those who are charged to serve justice to the community but break them instead. Full punishment should be applied to any lawman who breaks the laws that he was charged to keep.
Shawn is already quilty in that town, The justin family has a vendetta to get Shawn.
Shawn wants to go to Louisiana to get this over for tell his side of the story. The Justin Family only wants vengence.
Why would he waive extradition? He has nothing to hide.
You have to realize that the James Family has flaws on their own kin. Thats all I will say.
I am Justin James mother. The Daily Breeze has been exceptional to get this story to the public.
Mr Altman was able to talk to some of the Crew members including Kirk Kepper where he gave a Statement. I see some of the comments, My husband and I have waited nearly 3 years to see Justice for our son. We hold a death certificate that has HOMICIDE wrote on it. We had no clue what had happened to our son Oct 30,2005. We never heard of Shawn Shelton or any of the Crew members. Shawn was then indicted for our sons murder. And when I say murder that is what this has been named from day one. I am sorry that Shawns Family thinks my husband and I have a vendetta against Shawn. This is far from the truth. All we know is how the evidence points. Shawn will be brought back to La where he will be able to tell his side of the story. We have been told to stay off forums and don't be talking about the case. The trial is close.
Mr L. Altman, Thank you for the coverage on this case. You said you have known Shawn for a long time as far as doing stories when he was a cop. And My husband and I wonder the same thing. How did someone turn from one thing to the other in such a short period. This is very sad to us. Not only that our son had to lose his life but that Shawns life is ruined also. You know the way we see it, No one wins! Yes we want to see Justice for the death of our son. And if the tables was turned, I know this family would feel the same.
Say what you want to about the James family, I know them personally and was a friend of Justin's. They are hardworking good people who love thier kids and have every right to see this monster behind bars. They may not have a vendetta but I do.
Sean
What I find interesting is that there are people out there that still think Shawn has done no wrong in either case. How foolish can you be. He's been convicted of multiple crimes and will soon go on trial for another in La.
First let me say, I don't know the James family but I know their pain having had my brother taken from me in a senseless act. I pray for them.
For those that still wish to champion Shawn's cause, consider this: He's on trial for murder because all the evidence points to him. It doesn't point ot you or I because we didn't do it...
Ive know shawn since I was 12, I have to belive that he is guilty,im sad to see him like this, but he must pay for what he has done.
Steve I have a question. I am Justins sister. I read where you say you knew Shawn since he was 12 and you have to beleive that he did this crime against my brother. Could you please tell me and my family what you know about Shawn that would make you feel he could do this? Everything is moving real fast now. we are looking at a possible trial in Jan. If you will tell us you can email at Privite04@hotmail.com
Thank you for any information you can give us.
I just googled Shawn's name to see what ever happened to him after the Las Vegas incident. I thought he would have been killed in prison by now(that always what you hear happens in movies about guys who hurt kids and go to jail). I was a Cop for 13 years and kinda knew Shawn. I could believe he did this. Meth and mental issues is a bad mix. It is so sad. I wish I could have stopped him before he hurt anyone. I hope he gets the death penalty!