KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
The pre-trial for a former Saugus High School student accused of fatally shooting her mother was continued to Nov. 20 during a hearing on Wednesday, according to Ricardo Santiago, a spokesman from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
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Laura L. Purviance, 25, who briefly attended Saugus High, was arrested on Feb. 22, 2013 after former Hart District special education assistant Caroline Purviance was murdered.
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Purviance allegedly shot her mother, stole her car and then “just started driving,” according to a detective who investigated the case.
She was later found and arrested by Oregon State Police officers in Medford, Ore.
Purviance was held to answer to one count of murder with a special circumstance allegation of lying in wait, following a preliminary hearing presided by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Kellogg, according to a statement from District Attorney’s Office Spokesman Ricardo Santiago.
Laura’s mother, Caroline Purviance worked for the William S. Hart Union High School District from March 1999 to January 2004.
Related Article: Former Saugus High Student To Stand Trial For Mother’s Murder
She was hired at Valencia High School as an instructional assistant.
She also worked at Saugus and Canyon high schools in the same capacity during her time with the district.
Laura Purviance attended Saugus High for a little over a year before transferring out of the district.
Caroline Purviance’s body was discovered in the 5600 block of Mason Avenue, where the elder Purviance lived, on Feb. 13.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth Ratinoff.
The felony complaint also alleges that Purviance personally and intentionally discharged a handgun, according to DA’s statement.
The special circumstance allegation makes this a potential death penalty case.
A special committee within the District Attorney’s Office reviews all potential death penalty cases and decides whether that will be sought.
The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.
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