Lancaster

Man Convicted of Quadruple Murder Faces Death Penalty

Corey Lynn King, 24, was found guilty of four murder counts, with special circumstances making him eligible for the death penalty

A 24-year-old Altadena man found guilty of a quadruple murder this week will again face the jury that convicted him, when they decide whether he will get the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

Corey Lynn King was convicted of four murder counts. He killed Sonya Durfield Harris, 43, and her three young daughters, then set their Lancaster home on fire in 2008, prosecutors said.

The jury also found special circumstances of multiple murders and torture, making him eligible for the death penalty.

Prosecutors said they will be pursuing the death penalty against him when arguments begin on Dec. 2.

In September 2008, King stabbed Harris, 43, more than 50 times and her 14-year-old daughter more than 60 times, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

He also strangled her 9-year-old and stomped and beat to death her 11-year-old.

King, a family friend, had been visiting their house, officials said.

Following the murders, King drove to a nearby gas station to fill up several bottles with gasoline, came back, poured it over the bodies and set the house on fire, prosecutors said.

King might have had an argument with Harris before the killings, officials said.

He was also convicted of arson and grand theft auto, according to the statement.

King's attorneys did not return calls seeking comment.

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