25-to-Life for Spring Valley Man in Christmas Eve Rape, Murder

Juan Perez-Coira of Spring Valley was sentenced Monday to 25 years to life in state prison after a bench trial that convicted him of:

• Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, class “A” Felonies

• One count of Attempted Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree , a class “C” Felony

• One count of Attempted Rape in the First Degree, a class “C” Felony

relating to the killing of 55-year-old Deborah Burns.

“The defendant took the life of an innocent woman during a vicious sexual assault,” said Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe. “I can only hope that the victim’s family finds some measure of comfort and solace knowing her attacker will be sentenced to at least 25 years as punishment for his savagery.”

Perez-Coira attempted to commit rape and sodomy. He caused Burns’ death either in the course of those crimes or in flight from them, the DA said. He and she were acquaintances and had spent the evening together. She died as the result of internal bleeding.

At the time Perez-Coira was indicted, Zugibe said, “The degradation, humiliation and terror allegedly suffered by the victim at the hands of the defendant are truly disturbing. This was a particularly senseless crime.”

SEE:

• Homeless Man Indicted In Christmas Eve Abduction, Rape, Murder
• Spring Valley Man Convicted in Christmas Eve Rape

Executive Assistant District Attorney Dominic A. Crispino prosecuted the case.