‘They deserve life in prison': Daughters of man murdered in 1998 double homicide speak out for the first time

(FOX40.COM) - - After being made aware of an evidentiary hearing this month that could result in the release of a guy founded guilty of being a device to a 1998 double homicide in Yuba County, family members of the victims are speaking out.

" This is the first time I've stated anything publicly since the trial, however when I saw that a person of my daddy's killers could be released, I had to state something," Natalie Jimenez told FOX40.com. "He doesn't be worthy of to go totally free."

She is referring to Marysville native Leon Lampkin Jr., who was convicted of being a device to the 1998 double murders of brothers Alejandro and Leoncio Jimenez and sentenced to two life terms in jail. However, Lampkin may be qualified to be released earlier since of a current California law.

Alejandro Jimenez was a victim of a double murder in 1998./ Courtesy Photo: Natalie Jimenez

" Every time I hear that they're appealing or requesting clemency my family has to relive the night of my father and uncle's murder all over once again," Natalie Jimenez, the daughter of Alejandro, said. "My family was ruined, and I know he's not remorseful about it. He made fun of my household's grief during the trial."

Along with Lampkin, Michael Owens of Marysville was also charged for his involvement in the criminal offense. A jury discovered Lampkin to be an accessory to the murder while Owens was discovered to be the person who fired the deadly gunshots. Both were founded guilty of double murder and attempted break-in.

Natalie Jiminez, the 2nd oldest of six siblings, said she was 16 years of ages when her father and uncle were murdered. She said she still remembers coming home after the authorities were done gathering evidence and attempting to clean blood off of the walls and floors.

" Just the idea of him going totally free provides me and my household severe stress and anxiety. We currently suffer mentally. We do not rely on anybody. We do not feel safe," Natalie Jimenez stated. "The only thing that brings us any kind of peace is understanding they will invest the rest of (their lives) behind bars."

The Jimenez family say they hope individuals involved in the death of their dad and uncle stay in prison./ Courtesy Photo: Natalie Jimenez

She said at the start of the 1999 trial, the Yuba County District Attorney provided her family the option to go after life in prison or the death penalty.

" We revealed them mercy even though they didn't show my dad and uncle mercy. We agreed to life in prison, and we want that to be served," Natalie Jimenez said. " We're serving a life sentence that we didn't request. They ought to too.".

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Her sis, Marisol Jimenez, who stated she was a witness to the criminal offense in 1998, agreed. She was 17 at the time.

" I am a personal individual, so I have actually never spoken to the media, but when I found out what was happening, I needed to say something," Marisol Jimenez said. "My dad and my uncle couldn't protect themselves then and they can't now. We need to be their voice.".

Marisol Jimenez said she wasn't aware of SB 1437 or the upcoming evidentiary hearing till she checked out it in a FOX40.com short article. She stated the case is not about racial discrimination, as Lampkin's sister suggested in the very first short article.

Lampkin's sibling said in referral to the late 90s, "Laws at the time were made to keep minorities, Blacks and Latinos in prison for longer.".

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The victims are Hispanic. Marisol Jimenez stated it's about two individuals who lost their lives.

" My papa's life mattered. My uncle's life mattered," Marisol Jimenez said. I do not care who fired the weapon, they both (Lampkin and Owens) went to my house equipped with weapons.

Some media reports stated that Owens maintained his innocence in killing the Jimenez siblings, Owens told FOX40.com on September 6 that he takes full responsibility for his participation in the criminal offense.

Yuba County District Attorney Clinton Curry informed FOX40.com that he planned to "call Owens as a witness in Lampkin's (hearing) to try to assist fill out a few of the information of exactly how Lampkin participated in the burglary and murders.".

Friday's evidentiary hearing was continued to Sept. 29.

" The court heard arguments about what evidence is permissible for the hearing. Historic proof, such as the records of the original jury trial were admitted," Curry stated to FOX40.com after the hearing was delayed. "The hearing was ultimately continued to Sept. 29. The court has yet to rule whether we will be permitted to call Owens as a witness.".

Owens informed FOX40.com that he never positioned blame on anyone but himself and doesn't prepare to do so at Lampkin's upcoming hearing. He said he was court-ordered to attend the hearing.

I deeply are sorry for being the individual I was in 1998. I was a menace but that's not who I am today," Owens said.

Owens stated that while serving his time in prison, he made a bachelor's degree and has devoted his life to assist avoid youth from making the very same mistakes that he did.

" I know I can't reclaim what took place, but if I can attempt to stop or bring any healing somebody else from making the same mistakes that I did then I will," Owens said. "I'm not pleased with the guy I was at that time, however I'm happy of the male I am today. I owe Leon an apology. I was a couple of years older than him. I ought to have been a much better impact. I might have tried to lead him down a better path.".

Owens stated if he is contacted us to speak at Lampkin's hearing, his plan is to take duty for his actions.

Marisol and Natalie Jimenez stated that they have received letters of apology from Owens.

" I am delighted he was able to put those words on paper so he can sit with them for the rest of his life behind bars," Natalie Jimenez said.

Marisol Jimenez said that for the sake of her mental health, she couldn't bring herself to check out the letters from Owens.

I can't speak for him or say what his true intentions are," Marisol Jimenez said. "All I understand is that he was included in killing my family and he has to pay.

The evidentiary hearing for Lampkin is set up for Sept. 29 at Yuba County Superior Court.

" I hope his convictions are maintained," Marisol Jimenez said. "I hope the judge will see how much of a risk he is to society and for him to continue to serve the rest of his life in jail.".