Midterm - Spring, 2004

TEENAGER SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR SLAYING OF TEACHER 
Chicago Tribune
 
   A 15-year-old boy was convicted of murder Friday and sentenced to life in
prison for the New Year's Day death of a teacher allegedly beaten for her car
keys.

   Lorenzo Montoya, who was charged as an adult, was acquitted of first-degree
murder in the slaying of Emily Johnson, 29. But the Denver District Court jury
convicted him of felony murder, aggravated robbery, first-degree burglary and
aggravated motor vehicle theft.
 
   Defense attorney Kurt Metsger said he plans to appeal the verdict.
   Johnson, who taught special education and coached basketball at Skinner
Middle School, was beaten unconscious with a rock and shoe. She died the next
day.

   Montoya, a student at Johnson's school at the time, told police he and two
16-year-old cousins went to Johnson's home to steal her 1994 Lexus.

   One of the 16-year-olds, whose trial is set for February, told police he
stole the Lexus but denied involvement in the beating. Charges against the
other teen were dropped.

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