May 6, 2008 2:53 pm US/Pacific
Family Of Slain CHP Officer Talks About Sentencing
Jury recommends death for man who killed CHP officer Andy Stevens.
WOODLAND (CBS13) ―
A Yolo County jury has recommended the man convicted of killing CHP Officer Andy Stevens be sentenced to death.
It was an emotional day for the Stevens family. They finally got the justice they were waiting for.
After hearing the jury decision, Brendt Volarvich walked out of the courthouse with a smirk on his face. He almost appeared unfazed by the recommendation. But for CHP officer Andy Stevens' family, it was the moment they'd been waiting for.
"The people that I don't know about, all of you that have prayed for me, thank you so very much," said Michelle Stevens, widow.
And while they didn't comment directly on the jury's decision, his family spoke for the first time.
The judge and the jurors, I just want to thank them for their part in this, and I want to thank God for orchestrating it," said Michelle.
"Nothing will bring our son Andrew back, but we will see him someday when we get to heaven," said Pat Stevens, Andy Stevens' mother.
Volarvich was convicted last month for killing Stevens during a routine traffic stop in 2005.
The only words he uttered in court today was "I guess" after the judge asked him whether June 12th was an good date on which to continue the penalty phase.
"They stand in harms way. They protect us," said Pat.
Stevens' mother says the last few months have been difficult, but she hopes her son's murder will change the way people feel about men and women who wear the badge.
"I hope all of you will begin to appreciate law enforcement officers if you see one go up to them and them you appreciate their hard work," said Pat.
The judge will continue this case on June 12th -- that's when he will mostly likely deliver sentencing, which will most likely be death.
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