Author Extradited For Orange County Murder Charges
Author Extradited For Orange County Murder Charges
The Orange County DA charged Shawkey with murder and an enhancement for intentionally murdering a person for financial gain. Shawkey is also accused of swindling Vendrick out of about $1 million in a risky investment scheme. When Vendrick became suspicious and refused to invest more money, Shawkey offered him the opportunity to invest in a new, confidential venture that involved a federal contract. He convinced Vendrick to wire an additional $100,000 to him and promised to allow Vendrick to meet with federal agents who would confirm the new business venture on his trip to California.
Shawkey then traveled to California, purchased a small sailboat and told Vendrick that they would meet the federal agents on San Clemente Island. Witnesses saw Vendrick board the sailboat. His body was never found. Shawkey has also claimed at times to have been a professional fisherman and bail bondsman. If convicted of all charges, Shawkey faces life in prison with no parole.
If you're facing murder charges, especially in California, the stakes are very high. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney like Robert Michael Helfend to defend your rights in court.
Mr. Helfend has nearly 25 years experience in providing effective criminal defense and takes cases in Orange County. Murder charges in California can result in the death penalty, life in prison with or without the possibility of parole, or very long sentences, depending on the type of murder charges you face. Sentence enhancements can lengthen your prison term, eliminate the possibility of parole or subject you to California three strikes penalties.
You need a competent criminal defense attorney like Robert Helfend. Contact Mr. Helfend today for a consultation on your case.
Photo Credit: Kris Fricke