Mercury News: Gang killer, expecting early release, toasts LA County DA policies from prison
Convicted killer Phillip Dorsett, who came from a life of wealth and privilege in Rancho Palos Verdes, was in a celebratory mood one Monday night inside his cell resembling a college dorm room at New Folsom State Prison.
Dorsett, sentenced to 40 years to life for the 2005 execution-style shooting death of a rival gang member, had just learned Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón had issued a new directive calling for the possible resentencing of inmates who have already served 15 years in prison.
Dorsett felt confident he would soon be free, calling for impromptu party with his cellmate and some moonshine. The moment was captured on video shot on a contraband cellphone and smuggled out of prison. It was released Monday by the California District Attorneys Association in a condemnation of Gascón’s edicts on crime and punishment.
