Judge gives Myers 20 months in jail
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“If I could do what I want to do, I’d give her the maximum, but I’m sworn to go by the law,” said Judge John Turnbull in announcing the sentence which was just short of the maximum 24 months. “I’ve seen no remorse and giving her probation would depreciate from the seriousness of the crime. It would also not serve as any deterrent for others.”
Myers, 67, had hoped to receive full probation given her age and the fact she is carrying for a handicapped son at home. Myers faced one to two years in prison for criminally negligent homicide. She was convicted on the lesser count earlier this year after being tried on the more serious criminal knowledge of murder charge.
Prosecutors believe Myers knew in advance about the murder of her son’s girlfriend, Dianne Watts, 42.
Also murdered were Jessica Watts, 10, and Chelsie Smith, 13, who prosecutors believe were killed because they witnessed the crime.
Myers’ son, Doug Myers, 42, is serving life without parole after being convicted of the murders. Doug Myers’ friend, Johnny Lewis, 40, is serving a 65-year sentence for aggravated arson and facilitation of murder for assisting in trying to destroy evidence by burning the residence. Prosecutors believe Clementine Myers paid Lewis following the killings to ensure his silence.
In asking for the maximum punishment, District Attorney General Dale Potter said letting Myers have probation would send a bad message to anyone else who may consider paying someone to commit a criminal act.
“I don’t think she deserves any mercy from the court,” Potter said.
In response, defense attorney Bob Peters said there would be nothing to gain by giving his client jail time, other than to separate her from her disabled son.
“A few months in jail would do nothing to appease the victims’ families in this case,” Peters said. “It wouldn’t serve as a deterrent.”
In assessing sentence, Turnbull said her advanced age was not an excuse for her crime.
“You can’t put a lot of stock in that. If we did, then anybody could commit a crime when they got old,” Turnbull said.
Turnbull noted he believed the jury had reached a compromise verdict and that perhaps the presence of Myers’ handicapped son in the courtroom during trial had played on the sympathy of jurors.
Myers was allowed to remain free on her present bond following sentencing Friday, pending hearing of her motion for new trial.
While facing 20 months, Myers could face even more time if prosecutors have their way as they want to re-try Myers on murder conspiracy charges. Jurors ended up deadlocked on the conspiracy count during Myers’ recent trial. Turnbull will decide if prosecutors can re-try Myers on the conspiracy count later this year.
The other defendants
• Doug Myers is serving a life sentence without chance of parole for committing three murders
• Johnny Lewis is serving a 65-year sentence for aggravated arson and facilitation of murder