Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 30, 1995 TAG: 9506300068
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
U.S. District Judge Charles Richey rejected the government's request to lock up Duran for life, saying he thought the sentence would serve to punish the defendant and discourage others from similar acts.
``That is the rationale,'' Richey said. ``I do this without any malice.''
Duran, in a blue prison jumpsuit and orange shoes, told the court that he had wanted to die on Oct. 29, 1994, the day he fired more than two dozen bullets at the mansion. At the time of the shooting, Clinton was watching a football game on TV in the living quarters. No one was injured.
``My acts ... were inexcusable and wrong,'' Duran, 26, said in an even voice before he was sentenced. ``I'm sorry that I've not only ruined my life and my future but that of my wife and son.
``My son will be the lion's claw that pulls me from death. Your honor, I wish no harm on anyone.''
Under federal sentencing guidelines, Duran is not eligible for parole. He could reduce his sentence by as much as five years for good behavior, according to Monty Wilkinson, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney.
Richey also ordered Duran to pay $3,200 for the damage his shooting caused to the White House and $500 in penalties. Upon his release from prison, he will be placed on five years' supervised probation, the judge said.
After passing sentence, Richey assured Duran, ``You are still a human being. I hope you will understand that the court considers you such.''
Earlier, in response to questions from Richey, Duran said he plans to earn a college degree in small-business management while he's in prison.
``Good,'' Richey said.
Duran, an upholsterer from Colorado Springs, Colo., was found guilty in April of one count of attempted assassination, one count of damaging federal property, four counts of assaulting Secret Service officers and four firearms violations.
The jury rejected defense arguments that Duran was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and thought he had been chosen to shoot and kill an evil ``mist'' that was enveloping the White House.
by CNB