Officer’s Slayers Given Death : Two Parolees to Face Gas Chamber for Killing Verna

Two state prison parolees were sentenced to death Friday for the murder of a Los Angeles police motorcycle officer during a routine traffic stop in June, 1983.

Kenneth Gay and Raynard Cummings, both 27 and from Pacoima, were convicted in May by separate juries of first-degree murder with special circumstances in the shooting death of Officer Paul Verna, 35, in Lake View Terrace.

Jurors in the penalty phases of their trials had recommended that they be executed in the gas chamber at San Quentin Prison for killing the police Medal of Valor winner.

The San Fernando courtroom was packed with police officers and spectators, who listened to an emotional plea by Sandy Verna, widow of the slain officer, before the sentencing asking for capital punishment.

‘My Life Has Changed’

“My husband was not given a chance to defend himself,� she said. “My life has changed drastically. There are no more piggyback rides for our two sons.�

As Verna read her statement, Gay watched her intently. Cummings ignored the woman, instead chatting with his attorney or turning around to look at the spectators.

Both defendants sat impassively as Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Dana Henry imposed the sentences, which will automatically be appealed to the state Supreme Court.

In addition to the death penalty, Henry sentenced Gay to 24 years and four months in prison and Cummings to 28 years in prison for other charges--including robbery, assault and being a convict with a weapon. The prison time was imposed in the event that the death penalty is overturned, and these terms will be in addition to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

History of Crime

Both men have a history of crime and, according to reports from parole officers read by Deputy Dist. Atty. John Watson, neither man can function in society.

“Kenneth Gay takes what he wants and lashes out violently when he can’t take what he wants,� the prosecutor said. “He’s anti-social, criminally oriented and does not belong in society. He has no redeeming features.�

Watson described Cummings as “an unsocialized, brutal criminal, lacking in the human qualities most of us take for granted.�

Both defendants had an opportunity to address the court.

Gay accused Watson of being without shame in his presentation of evidence to the jury.

‘I Didn’t Kill Verna’

“My death won’t bring Verna back,� Gay said. “I didn’t kill Verna. Somewhere along the line, the truth will be known and somebody will pay for learning the truth. Of course, I have no remorse. I didn’t do it.�

The defendant then turned and extended “heartfelt condolences� to the widow and children of the officer. Gay added that anybody who wanted to kill him would be a “bloodsucker.�

Cummings addressed the court in muffled tones and thanked his attorneys for representing him.