Killer involved with juror sentenced to life in prison

The convicted killer who exchanged steamy letters with a juror who served in his trial was sentenced today to spend life in prison.

District Judge Valerie Adair sentenced Ricky Vazquez, 27, for the 2006 drug-related slaying of Richard Morris. Vazquez will be eligible for parole after 20 years.

The judge also sentenced Vazquez' co-defendant, Lee Vincent, 24, to spend life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years.

During the sentencing hearing, Vazquez told Morris' family that the slaying was a tragedy and that no one deserves to die. But Vazquez also said he was caught up in the gang life and drug dealing.

"We choose this," he said. "You got to be prepared to die."

Marnie Ramirez, the juror who contacted Vazquez and sent him sexually explicit letters, attended the sentencing and wept in the courtroom after he was given prison time.

Ramirez, 21, who is married and has a child, said she will continue to see Vazquez while he's behind bars.

"I fell in love with him," she said after the sentencing.

Contact reporter David Kihara at dkihara@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.