A California man has been convicted of murdering his girlfriend, her twin sister, and her brother-in-law in a shocking triple shooting that prosecutors say started over anger about a karaoke speaker and family disagreements.
The heartbreaking crime happened in Redlands, California, and left an entire family destroyed. Prosecutors told the court that the shooting happened after tensions grew inside the home and quickly turned deadly.
California Man Found Guilty in Triple Murder Case
Eric Otto White was found guilty of first-degree murder on April 30 in San Bernardino County for killing:
- Kavina Brooks
- Kavona Brooks-Lee
- Kenneth Lee
The deadly shooting took place in August 2020 at Brooks’ home in Redlands, California.
According to prosecutors, White used a handgun during the attack and fired multiple shots at the victims inside the house.
Argument Escalated Before Deadly Shooting
Court testimony revealed that an argument happened shortly before the shooting.
Witnesses said White became angry after Kavina Brooks touched his karaoke speaker, which prosecutors described as something he cared deeply about. Brooks’ teenage daughter also testified that White often criticised her mother’s parenting style and believed she was too “lenient.”
During the confrontation, Brooks reportedly shouted:
- “Calm down!”
Kenneth Lee also tried to stop the situation from escalating and allegedly told White:
- “You’re threatening somebody’s life.”
Moments later, prosecutors said White opened fire.
Victims Were Shot Multiple Times
Deputy District Attorney Justin Crocker described the shooting as brutal and deliberate during closing arguments.
According to reports, Crocker told jurors that White made a decision to commit murder once the argument reached a breaking point.
He reportedly described the attack by saying:
- “Shot after shot after shot after shot.”
Authorities said Kavina Brooks and Kenneth Lee died at the scene.
Kavona Brooks-Lee survived initially but later died after being placed on life support in hospital.
Teen Daughter Hid During Attack
Brooks’ daughter, who was only 14 years old at the time, was inside the home during the shooting.
According to family members, the teenager managed to hide immediately after the gunfire started.
The family later claimed White also attempted to harm the young girl during the incident.
The traumatic experience left relatives and community members devastated.
Relationship Problems Reportedly Added to Tension
Testimony during the trial suggested the relationship between White and Brooks had become strained before the murders.
The daughter told the court that Brooks had asked White to move out of the home just one day before the shooting. She reportedly told him to find “someone else.”
Prosecutors argued that White reacted violently after feeling he was losing control of the relationship and the household situation.
Suspect Fled After the Killings
Police said White fled the area after the murders.
Family members later claimed he returned to the house after the shooting to change the appearance of his vehicle and swap license plates before escaping.
Authorities eventually tracked him down in Las Vegas several weeks later and arrested him.
Mental Health Issues Discussed During Trial
Reports stated that White had been diagnosed by a forensic psychologist with schizoaffective disorder. He also reportedly had a history of bipolar disorder and depressive episodes.
However, prosecutors still argued that the murders were intentional and planned enough to support first-degree murder convictions.
Because the case involved multiple killings, White could potentially face the death penalty under California’s special-circumstances law.
His sentencing date has not yet been announced.
Community Still Mourning the Victims
The tragic case deeply affected the victims’ family and the local community. Friends and relatives described the sisters as loving family members whose lives were taken in a senseless act of violence.
The murders also left a teenage girl traumatised after witnessing the deadly attack inside her own home.
As the case moves toward sentencing, the victims’ loved ones continue seeking justice and healing after an unimaginable loss.
