SAN DIEGO–A Scripps Ranch teen was sentenced today in San Diego court for the May 2008 murder of her adoptive mother.
Superior Court Judge Michael Wellington sentenced Heather D’Aoust, 16, to 16 years-to-life in state prison for the murder of her adoptive mother, Rebecca D’Aoust.
“This was a tragic case for everyone involved,” said District Attorney Bonni Dumanis. “Hopefully, Heather will get the mental health treatment she needs while serving her sentence.”
The defendant, who has a history of mental illness, was 14-years-old when she attacked her adoptive mother in the head with a claw hammer in the kitchen of their Scripps Ranch home on the morning of May 25, 2008, then attacked her adoptive father, Jim D’Aoust, when he came to the aid of his wife.
The defendant told a San Diego County Probation Officer that she had planned to kill the whole family that morning, including her adoptive parents, her sister and the sister’s boyfriend.
Heather D’Aoust pleaded guilty in December 2009 to second degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. The defendant will be eligible for her first parole hearing after serving 16 years.
