Friday, August 12, 2005
Man Convicted In Lafayette Dominatrix's Murder
(Bay City News) An Oakland man has been convicted of first-degree murder for shooting to death a highly-paid Lafayette dominatrix two years ago in what a prosecutor believes was a case of a romantic relationship that went bad.
Jimmy Blunt, 23, hung and shook his head, talked to his attorney and glanced sadly at relatives who were in court when the verdict for the Jan. 12, 2003 death of 31-year-old Marisa Zumas was announced on Wednesday.
Blunt faces 50 years to life in state prison when he is sentenced by Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kenneth Burr on Aug. 24.
According to prosecutor Darryl Stallworth, Zumas was an escort who specialized as a dominatrix and made up to $10,000 a week working out of her Lafayette home. Blunt worked for her by looking after her 10-year-old son, he said.
Stallworth said he is unable to explain exactly what happened between Blunt and Zumas, but the theory he offered to jurors in his closing argument was that they had some sort of romantic relationship that went bad.
The prosecutor says it appears that Blunt "wanted a romantic relationship, but the feeling was not mutual."
Jurors concluded that the shooting was premeditated and deliberate, Stallworth said.
Zumas is survived by a 12-year-old son, her ex-husband, and several sisters who live out of state, Stallworth said.
Blunt's attorney, William Daley, was unavailable for comment.
Jimmy Blunt, 23, hung and shook his head, talked to his attorney and glanced sadly at relatives who were in court when the verdict for the Jan. 12, 2003 death of 31-year-old Marisa Zumas was announced on Wednesday.
Blunt faces 50 years to life in state prison when he is sentenced by Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kenneth Burr on Aug. 24.
According to prosecutor Darryl Stallworth, Zumas was an escort who specialized as a dominatrix and made up to $10,000 a week working out of her Lafayette home. Blunt worked for her by looking after her 10-year-old son, he said.
Stallworth said he is unable to explain exactly what happened between Blunt and Zumas, but the theory he offered to jurors in his closing argument was that they had some sort of romantic relationship that went bad.
The prosecutor says it appears that Blunt "wanted a romantic relationship, but the feeling was not mutual."
Jurors concluded that the shooting was premeditated and deliberate, Stallworth said.
Zumas is survived by a 12-year-old son, her ex-husband, and several sisters who live out of state, Stallworth said.
Blunt's attorney, William Daley, was unavailable for comment.
Post Comment 12:52 PM 
