Man Convicted of Killing Girlfriend, Her Twin Sister and Her Brother-in-Law After Argument Over His Karaoke Machine

A California man has been convicted of three counts of first-degree murder in a tragic case that unfolded in August 2020. Eric Otto White, aged 63, was found guilty on April 30, 2026, by a jury at the San Bernardino Justice Center for the fatal shootings of his girlfriend, Kavina Madison Brooks, her twin sister Kavona Kimberly Brooks-Lee, and her brother-in-law Kenneth Lee.

The court found that the murders took place within a short period on August 16, 2020. According to court records, White shot Brooks and Lee while also injuring Brooks’ daughter, Zanorra Brooks Killebrew. Kavona Brooks-Lee was hospitalised and placed on life support but ultimately succumbed to her injuries. The tragic events have left a lasting impact on the victims’ family and the wider community.

Following the shooting, White changed his clothing and fled to Las Vegas. He remained on the run for several weeks before being apprehended by authorities. The Redlands Police Department provided updates on the manhunt at the time, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation.

Key testimony during the trial came from Zanorra Brooks Killebrew, who was only 14 years old at the time of the incident. She recounted that the confrontation leading to the shootings erupted after her mother touched White’s karaoke speaker, prompting a violent reaction. She described how her mother had informed White the day prior to the incident that he would need to move out, expressing her intent to find a “replacement.”

The prosecution’s case, presented by Deputy District Attorney Justin Crocker, suggested that White felt his control over the situation slipping, leading to the tragic outburst of violence. In contrast, White’s defence attorney, James Rankin Gass, argued for a second-degree murder conviction. He highlighted his client’s history of mental health issues, revealing that White had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and had previously sought treatment in a psychiatric facility.

During the trial, forensic and clinical psychologist John Matthew Fabian testified that White was not taking his prescribed medication at the time of the murders. The testimony aimed to portray White’s mental state as a significant factor contributing to his violent actions.

As the jury deliberated, the community anxiously awaited the outcome, especially the family of the victims. Alicia Sutton, the daughter of Kavona Brooks-Lee, expressed relief at the guilty verdict, stating, “Sad, but finally,” reflecting the deep sorrow and complexity of emotions surrounding the case.

Erick Otto White now faces the possibility of capital punishment or life imprisonment. The jury will recommend a sentence to the presiding judge, Cheryl Kersey, who has the authority to either accept the jury’s recommendation or impose her own sentence.

Victims’ families hope that the conviction will bring a semblance of justice and closure, even as they grapple with the profound loss of their loved ones. The case has drawn attention to issues surrounding mental health and domestic violence, highlighting the need for broader discussions on these critical societal challenges.

As this case comes to a close, it underscores the far-reaching implications of violence and the devastating impacts on families and communities. The legal proceedings and the discussions that follow will likely continue to resonate, as advocates and citizens alike call for greater awareness and prevention efforts related to domestic violence and mental health issues in society.