Donald Ray DeBose, Jr. was found guilty of several major crimes in December 1997, including first-degree murder, second-degree robbery, and arson causing grievous bodily harm. The circumstances that led to his conviction occurred in California, where he was involved in the murder of Dannie Kim, a professional card player who was shot many times and discovered alive but severely injured in the trunk of her car. The jury determined that DeBose committed these offenses while committing robbery and arson, hence the exceptional circumstance allegations against him were upheld. He was also charged with attempted premeditated murder and robbery involving another victim, Vassiliki Dassopoulos. Despite offering an alibi defense at trial, the jury convicted him due to overwhelming evidence. DeBose was sentenced to death for Kim's murder, as well as additional prison time for charges involving both deaths. DeBose's appeal was inevitable owing to the death penalty decision, and the appellate court removed one special circumstance finding connected to arson while upholding the majority of the judgment against him. DeBose is currently on death row at San Quentin State Prison in California, where he is pursuing legal routes to challenge his conviction and maintains his innocence.
Thank you bitch
“They’re playing ping pong with people’s lives just waiting for their case to be heard.”
Donald Ray DeBose. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). N.p. N.d. Content unknown. SEALED.
Detailed Report on Donald Ray DeBose
Background
Donald Ray DeBose was involved in a series of criminal activities that culminated in a high-profile case in California. His actions led to multiple convictions, including first-degree murder, second-degree robbery, and arson causing great bodily injury.
The Crimes
On December 17, 1997, DeBose followed Dannie Kim, a 32-year-old woman from Walla Walla, Washington, out of a casino. He subsequently attacked her, resulting in her death. Debose and two accomplices watched Kim gamble at the Hollywood Park Casino and followed her until she exited the freeway in Encino, where she was visiting her family. They pulled her over at gunpoint, forced her to drive back to Inglewood, beat her, raped her and stuffed her in the trunk of her 1994 Chrysler LeBaron. Debose then fired his gun through the trunk at her. The men doused the car with gasoline and set it ablaze. Firefighters found her alive, but she died five days later. The jury found DeBose guilty of first-degree murder and second-degree robbery, as well as arson causing great bodily injury.
In addition to the murder of Dannie Kim, DeBose was also convicted of attempted murder and second-degree robbery of another woman. Debose also followed Dassopoulos home from the casino on Dec. 23, 1997, robbed her and shot her in the face. She survived and testified against him, even though her vocal cords had been removed. Debose shouted, “Thank you, bitch!” after the jury announced its guilty verdicts. Two accomplices were sent to prison for life.
Legal Proceedings
DeBose's trial resulted in a death sentence, which was handed down in July 1999. The case went through various appeals, but the California Supreme Court upheld the death sentence in 2014. The court found that the special circumstance allegations, which included the murder occurring during the commission of arson and robbery, were valid and supported the death penalty.
Key Points of the Case
First-Degree Murder: DeBose was convicted of the premeditated killing of Dannie Kim.
Second-Degree Robbery: He was found guilty of robbing Kim during the attack.
Arson Causing Great Bodily Injury: DeBose set fire to the scene, causing significant injury.
Attempted Murder: He attempted to kill another woman in a similar manner, but she survived.
Death Sentence: The jury's decision to impose the death penalty was upheld by the California Supreme Court.
The motive behind Donald Ray DeBose's crimes appears to be primarily financial gain. He targeted individuals who had won money at the casino, following them with the intent to rob them. In the case of Dannie Kim, DeBose followed her out of the casino, attacked her, and robbed her before committing arson to cover his tracks. This pattern of targeting casino winners for robbery suggests that DeBose's actions were driven by a desire for money. The violence and arson were likely means to ensure he could escape without being identified or caught.
Donald Ray DeBose, a known criminal, grew up in Los Angeles, California, with a history of instability and involvement in illegal activities. His criminal record featured a variety of acts that progressed over time, eventually culminating to more violent and serious crimes. DeBose was only 22 years old when he committed his crimes, and he was sentenced in 1999. His most renowned crimes came in December 1997, when he pursued and attacked casino goers, killing Dannie Kim and attempting to murder another lady. DeBose's biography shows a pattern of increasing criminal behavior, culminating in the violent deeds that resulted in his death sentence.
Conclusion
Donald Ray DeBose's case is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of violent criminal behavior. His actions not only led to the loss of life but also left a lasting impact on the survivors and their families. The legal proceedings that followed ensured that justice was served, culminating in the upholding of his death sentence by the highest court in California.
Archiving Protocol:
• Handled with White Gloves ab initio
• Photo Pages/Sheet Protectors: Heavyweight Clear Sheet Protectors, Acid Free & Archival Safe, 8.5 × 11, Top Load
• White Backing Board – Acid Free
Shipping/Packaging: Rigid Mailer 9.5 × 12.5. White, self seal, stay flat, Kraft cardboard, no bend. Each rigid mailer is made of heavy cardboard, which has strong resistance to bending and tearing. Thicker that the USPS mailers. Shipping cost never more than it absolutely has to be to get it from me to you.