Crime & Safety

Temecula Man Faces 30 Years for Manslaughter

Dale Dante Thomas, 27, is serving a 30-year sentence for the killing of a liquor store clerk in Old Town.

A Temecula man who assisted in the killing of a liquor store clerk in Old Town was serving his 30-year sentence today.

Dale Dante Thomas, 27, of Temecula, pleaded guilty to attempted murder with enhancements for killing as part of gang activity and having a handgun, voluntary manslaughter with enhancements for killing as a part of gang activity and being armed with a gun and robbery, according to court records.

He was the mastermind behind the robbery of , which left Rafi Ibrahim, 34, of Temecula, dead. To read about what happened, .

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Thomas' accomplice, Marcus Fletcher, 27, was sentenced to death for his part in the crime. to read about what he did.

Thomas struck a deal with the District Attorney to testify against his accomplice to get a lenient sentence, according to attorneys involved in the case. to read about the deal.

Find out what's happening in Temeculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The pair were also accused of working together to kill a San Diego man. Fletcher was tried for the killing, and a mistrial was declared. To read about that killing,

For voluntary manslaughter, Thomas was sentenced to 11 years. He got an additional 11 years for the two enhancements.

For attempted murder, he was sentenced to two years, four months plus seven years for the enhancements.

For robbery, he was sentenced to one year. He got 2,800 days credit for time served.


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