Inglewood teacher convicted of murder and sexual assault in 2005 and 2006 | State

INGLEWOOD, California — A former middle school teacher in Inglewood has been convicted of murdering a woman in 2005 and sexually abusing another woman in 2006, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said.

Charles Wright, 58, was found guilty by a jury on July 10 of murdering 21-year-old Pertina Epps on April 26, 2005, and kidnapping and sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman on September 17, 2006. “I am pleased that this day has finally come for the victims of this horrific crime,” said District Attorney George Gascón. “This conviction sends a clear message that we will not tolerate violence in our community.”

Wright was found guilty of one count of premeditated murder, one count of kidnapping for the purpose of oral sex and one count of forcible oral sex, according to prosecutors. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Altis Hudson presided over the case.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 10 in Department O of the Inglewood Courthouse. Wright is expected to be sentenced to 50 years to life in prison.

The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.