SAN DIEGO (AP) — A man was sentenced to 25 years and four months in prison for setting fire to a teenager’s body in the Morena/Linda Vista neighborhood. Bud Shelton, 34, accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to arson, mutilating human remains, and statutory rape involving 15-year-old Janaeshia Dubose.
During the sentencing, the victim’s father expressed his anguish, saying, “It hurts to think about someone killing my baby.” The courtroom was filled with friends and family of the victim, who spoke about their longing for the young girl. They reminisced about what they miss, detailing the pain they have endured in the year-and-a-half since her passing.
Prosecutors disclosed that the victim died of a fentanyl overdose and Shelton then burned her body. The judge mentioned the possibility of a trade of drugs for sex, but the family denied those allegations.
The crime came to light when a brush fire was reported near the trolley station where authorities found the victim’s burning body. The victim’s family expressed disappointment, feeling that justice was not fully served.
Despite Shelton’s prior offenses related to theft, drugs, and violence, the judge did not require him to register as a sex offender. Shelton will be nearly 60 years old when released, but had not been charged with homicide.
Overall, the sentencing drew attention to the tragic loss of a young life and the impact on the victim’s family. It highlighted the legal complexities and difficulties in rendering justice for such heinous acts.