Appeals Court Upholds Life Sentences In Wallace Homicide Case

Sacramento, CA — California´s Third District Court of Appeals has upheld four consecutive life sentences imposed upon a Wallace man after he was convicted of killing two of his neighbors in a property dispute.

Sixty-six year-old Peter Chiesa was sentenced to two terms of 15 years to life and two terms of 25 years to life after fatally shooting 43-year-old Leslie Hannameyer and 41-year-old Annette Truman as they cleared tree trimmings from a road easement on Chiesa´s property in June of 2002.

Chiesa´s appeal contended that the sentences amounted to cruel and unusual punishment and are disproportionate with his responsibility in the incident. He also asserted that a phone call in which he confessed his guilt to his wife should not have been admitted into evidence.

The three-judge panel ruled that the trial court acted appropriately, and the danger that Chiesa poses to society is greater than any mental health issues or provocation that may have justified the shooting.