Monrovia Ex-Girlfriend Murderer Sentenced Tuesday

MONROVIA, CA —A Pasadena man was convicted of first-degree murder, for strangling the mother of his children and leaving her body in her car on a Monrovia street. On Tuesday, he was sentenced Tuesday to 26 years to life in state prison.

Jose Roberto Turner, 49, was convicted June 19 of first-degree murder for killing LaJoya McCoy, 31, of Monrovia.

Turner had previously threatened his ex-girlfriend's life after their relationship ended, according to Deputy District Attorney Fernanda Barreto.

McCoy -- who worked as an accountant with the city of Los Angeles and owned a clothing boutique -- was reported missing after she failed to show up at some scheduled appointments. Detectives went to her home in the 8000 block of West Olive Avenue and found evidence of foul play.

Her body was discovered inside her car on June 16, 2015, in the 200 block of West Cypress Avenue during a grid search of the area.

Turner strangled the victim with a rope and stabbed her, according to evidence presented during his trial.

He was arrested on Aug. 27, 2015, by Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies and has remained behind bars since then.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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