Larissa Schuster Sentenced to Life in Prison

5/16/2008 Fresno, CA Kristin Schuster has waited several years to finally confront her mother. She said in court, "You've given up all rights as a mother, wife, daughter, friend and woman. You're a disgrace to this family-a pitiful excuse for a human." Kristin called her father Tim Schuster her rock and best friend, "I pray you're continually haunted at night by the sight and sound of my father fighting for his last breathing moments on this earth. I hope you toss and turn and have horrible nightmares visualizing the horrific act of violence you have committed."

In December, a Los Angeles County jury convicted Larissa Schuster for murdering Tim and stuffing his body in a barrel of acid. The victim's mother recalled his final moments submerged in a caustic chemical. Shirley Schuster said, "I can't even imagine his last hours and the pain he must of gone through. How I wish I could have been there to help him with his pain."

A total of seven people addressed Larissa on Friday. Even with all the emotions, she never cried and did not say anything. Schuster's defense attorney Roger Nuttall said he advised her to keep quiet, "I'm not going to say she's up or down. She's accepting what she knew would happen today"

Larissa's friend in court sobbed when the judge announced her punishment, but her own daughter used it to close a sad chapter in her life. Kristin said, "So this is good-bye not just for now but for good. This is good-bye as your daughter."

Life in prison without the possibility of parole was the only option for the judge, because the jury convicted the defendant of first degree murder plus special circumstances. Schuster's defense team plans to appeal. She was also ordered to pay for the victim's burial expenses.