Santa Barbara’s law enforcement community packed a courtroom today to hear the verdict in the Corey Lyons murder trial. After two mistrials, the second ending in a hung jury, the prosecution secured a stunningly swift verdict. The jury, selected in Solvang and bused in from North County every day, deliberated for only five hours. Judge Brian Hill accepted their decision only 24 hours after closing arguments ended.
Lyons was found guilty on two counts of murder with enhancements for financial gain, lying in wait, and committing multiple murders. Each enhancement makes Lyons eligible for life without parole. He was also found guilty of burglary. Sentencing is scheduled for February 7.
Police apprehended Lyons at 9 a.m. on the morning of May 4, 2009. His brother, Daniel, and Daniel’s partner, Barbara Scharton, had been shot to death in their weekend home on the Mesa at around 1:30 a.m. They lived in Fresno where Daniel worked during the week.