A woman who was found guilty of murdering a woman who was burned alive inside a tent at an encampment in Hollywood was sentenced Thursday to 25 years to life in state prison.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke imposed the term on Teresa Lessert, now 58, who was convicted in October of first-degree murder for Rosio Limon’s Feb. 15, 2024, slaying
Lessert was caught on surveillance video bending down near a corner of the victim’s tent on the sidewalk on Vine Street, between La Mirada and Lexington avenues, with a visible flame appearing in the same spot within seconds where she had been bending next to the victim’s tent before she stood up and hurriedly walked away, according to a court filing by the prosecution.
The victim’s heavily charred remains were discovered in the debris after firefighters put out the blaze, and Lessert denied setting the fire when questioned by investigators, according to the filing.
The motive for the attack was unknown, according to Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec.
The victim’s adult daughter, Deysi Olguin, told the judge that her mother was “taken in such a violent and senseless way” and had been trying to turn her life around before her death.
“We are left to live with this loss every day,” she said.
The victim’s sister said she carries with her “the thought of the suffering” that she endured in the final moments of her life, telling Lessert that she “chose to play God.”
Lessert was arrested by Los Angeles police less than three weeks after the killing and has remained behind bars since then, jail records show.