The Ninja Murder Case

A penalty phase trial was then held to determine whether Steven Homick would be sentenced to death. Evidence of a lengthy criminal history including the Las Vegas murder convictions was presented. The jury determined that he should die in the California gas chamber. His brother received a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

Steve Homick

Another two years went by. It was now 1995. The ghosts of Gerald and Vera hovered over Los Angeles' downtown criminal courts building, still seeking justice. It had been 10 long years since they pulled into that deserted garage. Neil was retried and, like the first time, Stewart would testify. The brothers who once were united in gambling with their lives to get rid of their parents were now united in their hatred of each other.

 This time around, the jurors had no doubt. Neil was convicted of two first degree murders and conspiracy. He didn't testify in his defense. Dixon decided to forego a penalty phase because he didn't think it would be fair to seek death against only one brother. Stewart's cooperation had earned him a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. At his sentencing, as he did while testifying, Stewart apologized.

Neil was a different matter. At his sentencing, he talked about how his brother had always hated him even though he remained loyal. He said he didn't have any previous knowledge of the crime. "I want the court to know, as I sit here, I'm not guilty of this crime," Neil said, according to a story by City News Service. The judge handed down a sentence identical to Stewart's.