Judge Reduces Life Sentence for Man Convicted in 1994 Murder

Randy Capps will be eligible for release in the mid-to-late 2030s after serving over 30 years in prison.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:37am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a stark, black background, capturing the gritty, investigative nature of this criminal justice story.The resentencing of a man convicted of murder as a young adult exposes the complexities of criminal justice reform.Seattle Today

A Washington judge has reduced the life sentence of Randy Capps, who was convicted of murder in 1994 when he was just shy of his 21st birthday. The judge cited Capps' troubled upbringing and the state Supreme Court's ruling that youth should be a factor in sentencing for young adult offenders, converting his life sentence to 45 years in prison.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around sentencing reform and how the justice system should treat young adult offenders. The Supreme Court's 2021 ruling has led to the resentencing of several individuals convicted of serious crimes as young adults, raising questions about rehabilitation, public safety, and the role of youth in criminal culpability.

The details

Capps, now 53, was convicted of the 1994 murder of 59-year-old Marietta Dela Cruz in Sumner, Washington. He and three others, including the victim's own daughter, plotted the murder for months before carrying it out. While the judge acknowledged the egregious nature of the crime, he determined that Capps' youth at the time did not significantly impact his ability to understand the consequences, and that further incarceration could allow for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

  • In 2021, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that youth should be a factor in sentencing for defendants under 21.
  • On March 3, 2026, the judge heard arguments from prosecutors and Capps' defense attorney.
  • On April 11, 2026, the judge issued his ruling, converting Capps' life sentence to 45 years in prison.

The players

Randy Capps

A 53-year-old man who was convicted of murder in 1994 at the age of 21 and has now been resentenced to 45 years in prison.

Judge Philip Thornton

The judge who presided over Capps' resentencing hearing and converted his life sentence to 45 years in prison.

Marietta Dela Cruz

The 59-year-old woman who was murdered in 1994, the victim in this case.

Filomena Washington

The daughter of Marietta Dela Cruz, who paid Capps and two others to break into her mother's home and kill her.

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What they’re saying

“This court believes further incarceration would be useful for Mr. Capps to make the changes he indicated he wants to make in himself. Further incarceration will also provide additional safeguards for the a safety of the community.”

— Judge Philip Thornton, Presiding Judge

“It is clear that he suffered at the hands of those who were supposed to protect and nurture him. Mr. Capps had a strained relationship with his mother that led to her regularly beating and berating him.”

— Judge Philip Thornton, Presiding Judge

“Capps' youth did not significantly impact his ability to understand the risk and consequences ... it did not reflect the transient immaturity of youth.”

— Judge Philip Thornton, Presiding Judge

What’s next

Capps will remain in prison for several more years, likely being released in the mid-to-late 2030s. The judge noted a gap in state law that does not make Capps eligible for community custody programs upon his release due to his prior life sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around sentencing reform and the role of youth in criminal culpability. The judge's decision to reduce Capps' sentence reflects the evolving legal landscape, but also raises questions about rehabilitation, public safety, and the need for legislative updates to address gaps in the law.