Tyler Hutchinson Sentenced to Life in Prison

At age 25, Tyler James Hutchinson will spend the rest of his life in prison, without the possibility of parole.

San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Mark Forcum sentenced Hutchinson Tuesday for the 2009 murder of 88-year-old Belmont resident, Albert Korn. 

On Feb. 28, 2013 after a 21 day jury trial and after a total of 2½ hours deliberation, the jury returned verdicts of guilty of first degree murder with special circumstance allegations, robbery, and residential burglary.

 “There is no question in my mind that the sentence of life without parole is the correct one,” said Forcum upon imposition of the sentence.

“And on top of that, I’m troubled by Tyler Hutchinson’s complete lack of remorse for what he did,” Forcum added, referring to Hutchinson's statements following the verdict.

Forcum concluded that due to the nature of the crime and the lack of remorse or contrition for his actions, his sentence was just.

Hutchinson’s defense lawyers, James Thompson and Richard Keyes, filed a motion asking the court to sentence the Hutchinson to an indeterminate term in prison with the possibility of parole, taking into consideration his mental health. Hutchinson was declared mentally competent to stand trial by state hospital doctors in December 2011.

“The schizophrenia that Tyler Hutchinson suffers from completely impairs his judgment and self control,” Thompson told the court, emphasizing that Hutchinson’s mental illness had been documented since 2006.

Thompson asked the court to strike the special circumstances verdict from the sentencing consideration, thus opening up the slight chance for parole.

In his response to the defense’s motion, deputy district attorney Morris Maya said that Hutchinson did not suffer a level of mental illness that would keep him from understanding is actions on June 2, 2009.

“The savage beating in this case, the motive in this case, and the behavior after this crime was committed show that this was done by an individual that was heartless, repulsive and who did not demonstrate any quality of humanity,” Maya said in response to the defense’s motion.

And the judge agreed.

“Having reviewed all the materials of the sentencing and the earlier hearings, I will not execute my discretion to strike the special circumstances given the nature of this homicide,” concluded Forcum.

“Mr. Hutchinson did not demonstrate any qualities of humanity,” Forcum said before sentencing.

Forcum added that in more than 20 years on the bench, this was one of the most inhumane cases he's presided over.

“This is one of the most violent and gratuitous crimes I’ve seen, and it’s had a devastating impact on the family. Mr. Korn was living out a peaceful life. He had survived the holocaust,” said Forcum.

Tyler Hutchinson was convicted of entering Korn's home in the 2500 block of Hallmark Drive on June 2, 2009, robbed and beat him and then drove away in Korn's 2004 Jaguar. Hutchinson was caught two days later in West Sacramento committing residential burglary.

Albert Korn died at Stanford Hospital on June 17, 2009.

Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty in the murder case.

Hutchinson, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, his hair matted and parted down the middle, showed no emotion as the sentence was read.

Members of Albert Korn's family declined to make impact statements at the sentencing hearing.

In the courtroom sat Gabriele Korn, Albert Korn’s wife, as well as her daughter and several other friends and family members.

Also in the courtroom for the sentencing were members of the Belmont Police Department and others involved in the case in the months and years leading up to the verdict and the sentencing.

Belmont Police Chief Dan DeSmidt said he was proud of the work done by his officers and the district attorney’s office.

“Our officers and detectives have put tireless months and years into this case.”

Belmont police detectives who were involved in the case gathered outside of the courtroom after the sentencing to talk quietly with Mrs. Korn and her family, and to reflect on the end of the long, difficult process leading up to Tuesday’s sentencing.

“Justice was served,” said Detective Sergeant Mike Supanich.

Sgt. Detective Peter Lotti and Detective David Lashely nodded in agreement.