San Andreas, CA…Superior Court Judge Thomas Smith found 14 year old Isiah Fowler guilty in the death of his sister Leila Fowler. He will face sentencing for second degree murder on November 2nd for the April 27, 2013 stabbing death. Initially the then 12 year old told law enforcement that a grey haired intruder stabbed his 8 year old sister.

Above is the flier for Leila’s Candlelight Vigil and a photo of the crowd. On the coverage side we will always remember the air ambulance ordered for Mark Twain Medical Center’s helipad and hearing the medi-flight canceled as Leila had passed away before she arrived.

We have in some ways undercovered his trial. After covering Leila’s death and the aftermath much of the damage to this family has already happened. Regardless of the outcome it will never bring Leila back and tragically even if his defense attorneys are successful in the appeal the conviction the baggage and sadness this young man and family will forever carry is unimaginable.

Covering the twists and turns of this case would not bring Leila back and the sooner the coverage can fade the sooner the Valley Springs community can truly heal.

As locals this is a story we want go away and not relive. This can only be doubly true fro the Fowler Family. Regardless of the outcome now it is time to heal.

He has been tried and convicted as a juvinile so at some point he will get the chance to see if he and his family can have a life after Leila’s death.