
An Inglewood former middle school teacher, Charles Wright, was convicted on July 10 for the murder of 21-year-old Pertina Epps in 2005 and for the kidnapping and subsequent sexual assault of an 18-year-old woman a year later. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón spoke on the matter, stressing the grimness of the crimes and the betrayal of trust by Wright, who once held a position of authority in education. Wright's conviction includes one count of first-degree murder; one count of kidnapping for oral copulation, and one count of forced oral copulation.
"I am pleased that this day has finally come for the victims of this horrendous crime. I’d like to thank the jury for listening to the evidence and ensuring that Mr. Wright is brought to justice for the brutal murder of Ms. Epps, and the sexual violence he committed against the second victim,” Gascón stated, according to an announcement on the District Attorney's website. The DA highlighted the community's zero tolerance for violence and, recognized the efforts of the prosecution and law enforcement in resolving the case.
Wright, with a date of birth listed as July 24, 1965, was tried by a jury in case YA106013. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Altis Hudson oversaw the proceedings. Sentencing for Wright is slated for September 10 at the Inglewood Courthouse, Department O. The expected sentence for Wright is a substantial 50 years to life in state prison.
On the date of April 26, 2005, Wright was responsible for strangling and killing Pertina Epps. Then, on September 17, 2006, he kidnapped and sexually assaulted another female victim. The Los Angeles Police Department conducted the investigations leading up to Wright's conviction, casting a light once again on the crucial role law enforcement plays in addressing violent crimes within the community.