Killer Faces 16 Years to Life in Prison for Death of Emily Shane

The man convicted in the death of a Malibu eighth grader will face 16 years to life in prison when he is sentenced Friday.

The sentencing for Sina Khankhanian is set for 9 a.m. Friday, June 15 at the LAX Courthouse.

Following a 13-day trial, Khankhanian was found guilty on May 17 of second-degree murder and a sentence enhancing allegation of using a deadly weapon in the April 2010 death of Emily Shane on Pacific Coast Highway and Heathercliff Road in Malibu.

That was the second trial for Khankhanian. In the first trial, the jury was unable to reach a verdict.

Following the trial, Deputy District Attorney Marna Miller said she believed between the defendant and his girlfriend allowed the jury to hear his voice, which contrasted with his demeanor in court. During most of the trial, Khankhanian sat staring straight ahead and only smiled occasionally at family members, who sat behind him.

Defense attorney Bradley Brunon has said he will appeal the conviction.

Prosecutors say Khankhanian, who had left a suicide note at his home, struck Emily with his sports car as he swerved off Pacific Coast Highway and slammed into a pole. Emily died at the scene.

Brunon has asserted that Khankhanian, who was diagnosed with autism, could not appreciate that his actions created a risk of death for himself and others.

Burnon maintained throughout the trial that his client did not commit murder, and has said previously that a charge of gross vehicular manslaughter is more appropriate to the case.