Man Gets 2 Life Terms in 1982 Rape, Slaying of Co-Worker

A former Palmdale man Tuesday was ordered to serve two life sentences for the sexual assault and drowning of a fellow Navy courier nearly 15 years ago in Virginia, a federal prosecutor said.

Richard H. Whittle, 38, who in September pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Norfolk, received one life sentence for murder and a separate life sentence for rape, said Assistant U.S. Atty. Laura Everhart, who handled the case in Norfolk.

Everhart said Whittle may be eligible for parole in about 15 years because the crime occurred before federal sentencing guidelines largely eliminated parole. Judge Rebecca Beach Smith recommended no parole, however, in her sentencing order, Everhart said.

“I feel fairly confident that he will not be walking among us,” Everhart said. “If not for life, I’d say until he’s part of the geriatric set.”

Whittle, who worked as a handyman at a Burbank laboratory before his arrest in the San Fernando Valley in June, was sentenced for the slaying of 21-year-old Pamela Ann Kimbrue in March 1982, federal officials said.

Kimbrue, of Bay City, Mich., was found dead in her car at the bottom of Willoughby Bay at Norfolk Naval Air Station.

Investigators who began reexamining the case in May 1995 said they used new technology such as DNA evidence and more sophisticated ways of examining fingerprints to help bring murder and rape charges against Whittle.

Whittle changed his original not guilty plea when the judge rejected a motion to suppress a confession Whittle gave to federal investigators during an interview before his arrest.

Everhart said Whittle spoke briefly before the sentencing Tuesday.

“He basically apologized to the family,” she said. “It’s very sad. I’m happy to have it over with.”