Woman who pointed out alleged rapist is sentenced in killing

Woman who pointed out alleged rapist is sentenced in killing

For the next 17 years, the killing went unsolved and Esparza built her life, earning a doctorate, working as a psychology professor in Switzerland and serving as a consultant to the World Health Organization.

After she told Gianni Van that Ramirez had raped her, Van and two others followed and rear-ended Ramirez in his vehicle, then attacked, kidnapped and killed him, dumping his body on the side of a road in Irvine, authorities said.

Co-defendant Diane Tran also was sentenced Friday to four years in prison but freed based on time already served.

Outside court, Senior Deputy District Attorney Mike Murray said he was disappointed that the defendants didn't acknowledge their roles in the killing.