Outbursts interrupt murder sentencing

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By Eyewitness News staff

Summary

Thomas Vasquez will spend life in prison for murdering David Timberlake in 2007. A profane outburst punctuated the sentencing Wednesday in Kern County Superior Court.

Story Created: Feb 10, 2010 at 1:33 PM PDT

Story Updated: Feb 10, 2010 at 2:49 PM PDT

Outbursts interrupt murder sentencing

Thomas Vasquez sits in court Wednesday during his sentencing for the murder of David Timberlake.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Thomas Vasquez will spend life in prison for murdering David Timberlake in 2007.

A profane outburst punctuated the sentencing Wednesday in Kern County Superior Court. Timberlake's sister called Vasquez a coward during a period for victim statements. That prompted Vasquez to yell an obscene insult in the direction of the victim's sister.

Vasquez' mother was also told she was out of order when she called the trial unjust.

Vasquez was found guilty of robbery and first-degree murder.

Timberlake's body was found near 3rd and H streets after he had been shot several times.

Two other defendants took plea deals in the case, and charges were dropped against a fourth suspect.