Couple Plead Guilty in 1991 Kidnap of Jaycee Dugard, 11, Held Captive for 18 Years at Home
A husband and wife pleaded guilty today in a California court concerning the 1991 abduction of 11-year-old Jaycee Lee Dugard, who was allegedly held captive at their home for 18 years before finally escaping.
Phillip Garrido pleaded guilty to kidnapping and 13 counts of sexual assault. Nancy Garrido pleaded guilty to kidnapping and one count of sexual assault, KXTV reports.
The El Dorado Superior Court plea deal will require Philip Garrido, who has a previous kidnapping and rape conviction, to spend the rest of his life in prison. Nancy Garrido will be sentenced to 36 years to life, the Sacramento Bee reported.
She could be released after serving about 31 years, says her lawyer, Stephen Tapson.
Phillip Garrido’s reason for pleading guilty isn’t known, although his wife’s plea was conditional on his, KXTV reports. However, Tapson said his client is sorry and didn’t want Jaycee Dugard and the children she reportedly had with Phillip Garrido while being held captive to be put through a trial.
Their formal sentencing is expected to take place in June.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Authorities Tipped in ‘06 Didn’t Find 1991 Child Kidnap Victim Until Now”
ABAJournal.com: “Authorities Reel Over Parolees’ Stunning Alleged Crimes in 2 States”
ABAJournal.com: “Child Kidnap Victim Held 18 Years Seeks Damages re Delayed ID of Suspect Parolee”
