Iraq War Vet Gets 3 Life Terms in Slaying Attempts

Iraq War Vet Gets 3 Life Terms in Slaying Attempts
Nov 07, 2012
Fresno Bee
by Marc Benjamin

An Iraq war veteran was sentenced to three consecutive life terms and two sentences of 25 years to life for trying to kill his estranged wife, her brother and mother in their Reedley, Ca. home in 2009.

Judge Edward Sarkisian Jr. imposed the sentence Tuesday against Dejon Baskin, 29, a former U.S. Marine.

Baskin was found guilty in September of three counts of attempted murder. The charges carried sentencing enhancements, including premeditation and using a gun and a knife.

On July 16, 2009, he held his wife, Rachel Laura Baskin, and her mother and brother hostage, stabbing and shooting them.

Defense lawyer Eric Schweitzer tried to establish that Baskin's behavior was triggered by post-traumatic stress disorder from his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said he was sure Baskin, who was trained to kill using a knife and gun, didn't intend to kill anyone.
read more here on Military.com