The three-justice panel from California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal rejected the defense’s contention that Melissa Buranasombati had tried to discharge her retained attorney as the prosecution neared the end of its case in her trial and a dispute ensued between the two over whether she should testify in her own defense.
“Defendant’s challenges lack merit because she never requested self-representation or new counsel, whether appointed or retained,” the appellate court justices wrote in the 12-page ruling.
Buranasombati, now 35, was convicted of second-degree murder with a knife use allegation for the April 9, 2019, slaying of Edward Cole.
The panel noted that the Buranasombati’s son testified that he saw her take a knife from the kitchen before going to the garage, and that a friend of Buranasombati saw her “swing” at Cole, causing Cole to bleed from his chest. Cole was pronounced dead at a hospital from a stab wound to the chest.
“Defendant’s former boyfriend testified that in the past, defendant had attacked him multiple times, including with a knife, gun, scissors, fork, or baseball bat,” according to the appellate court panel’s ruling.
Buranasombati was arrested that day by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies. She was sentenced in April 2022 to 16 years to life in state prison.
Previous related stories:
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Arraignment postponed in Lake LA stabbing death
Woman charged in Lake LA stabbing death
Man stabbed in Lake Los Angeles, later dies at hospital
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Save the men says
Bet the sex was top shelf. CAB
Frank Rizzo says
She looks like a comic book character, go Marvel!
Carlos Ledesma says
The guy probably never saw her coming. Or even suspected she was mad.
Not enough time says
She took a knife from the kitchen – stalked out to the garage and killed her boyfriend with it and it’s only second degree murder?
How long does it take to premeditate a murder?
Templer says
No kidding, plea bargain and will travel. A cold case in El Monte Spic &Span hotel male victim was stabbed 43 times most likely raped as well. The murderer Anthony Davis (not the laker lol) 7-1/2yrs too life eligible for release in less than 7yrs. Stole the victim’s car too. Gascon promised the family he would seek the maximum punishment. Guidelines at the time of the murder stipulated 15 to life. Way to keep a promise.
Tim Scott says
LOL…obsess much Templer? Feel like I’ve made you look so stupid that you have to make posts in bunches now?
Templer says
Only in your delusional world.
Cornwell West for president says
Tim Scott GF
Templer says
She changed her blue hair to a bright hideous red.