PORT ANGELES — Lauryn Last, who pleaded guilty Jan. 25 to second-degree manslaughter in the death of her newborn son, could be required to pay $7,414 in court-ordered restitution for the infant’s funeral and burial expenses.
Clallam County Superior Court Judge Ken Williams said Friday at Last’s restitution hearing that he will consider the request by the county Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and will issue a written opinion at a later date he did not specify.
“I need to take this under advisement under the juvenile statute and the adult statute,” Williams said, adding that he has “some discretion” in making his decision.
Last was 16 when the infant drowned in a toilet, and she was charged with first-degree murder in adult court, a charge County Prosecutor Deb Kelly later reduced to second-degree murder.
She was 19 when she pleaded guilty under an Alford plea to a juvenile court charge of second-degree manslaughter.
Under an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt to a crime but concedes that enough evidence exists that a jury likely would reach a guilty verdict.
Last, who was 15 when she was impregnated by a man serving four years for the assault, was sentenced in January to 30 days, received credit for time served and was released.
She had been released on her own recognizance while she awaited trial.
Restitution arguments
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Troberg said the restitution is appropriate under the Crime Victims Compensation Program.
“I’m not sure what there is to argue about,” Troberg said.
Port Angeles lawyer John Hayden of Clallam Public Defenders, who is representing Last, said Williams does not have to impose restitution.
Hayden said Last is graduating from high school, has plans to attend vocational school, can’t afford $7,414 — and should not have to pay it anyway.
Making her pay the amount “would be completely piling it on” Last, Hayden said.
“When you look at that bill, your eyebrows go up,” he said.
“While she’s gone through an unspeakably difficult phase of her life and come out of it remarkably intact, is it fair, is it just, is it wise to now saddle her with 7,000-some dollars to the state of Washington?
“I would suggest it is not appropriate, is not wise and is in no manner just.”
Hayden called the restitution request “grossly insulting” and said it is “cruel” to ask Last to pay it, suggesting that if it must be imposed, Last should pay no more than $500.
No details about the funeral or burial of the child were available.
Last, who wore a ponytail and a hooded sweatshirt, did not speak during the hearing.
She nodded once when Hayden turned to her and said she has received grants and earned good grades because she is a good student.
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Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5060, or at paul.gottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.