A California jury has found a man guilty of murdering his girlfriend, her twin sister, and her brother-in-law in a shocking triple shooting case that happened in 2020. Prosecutors said the deadly attack happened after an argument involving a karaoke speaker and disagreements about parenting.
The tragic incident left an entire family devastated and shocked the local community in Redlands, California.
California Man Convicted in Triple Murder Case
Eric Otto White was convicted of first-degree murder on April 30, 2026, in San Bernardino County for killing three members of the same family during a violent shooting inside a home in Redlands, California.
The victims were identified as:
- Kavina Brooks
- Kavona Brooks-Lee
- Kenneth Lee
According to prosecutors, White used a handgun during the deadly attack in August 2020.
| Case Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | Eric Otto White |
| Location | Redlands, California |
| Crime Year | 2020 |
| Conviction Date | April 30, 2026 |
| Victims | Kavina Brooks, Kavona Brooks-Lee, Kenneth Lee |
| Charges | First-degree murder |
| Possible Punishment | Death penalty |
Argument Allegedly Started Over Karaoke Speaker
During the trial, prosecutors explained that White became extremely angry after his girlfriend, Kavina Brooks, touched his karaoke speaker.
Testimony from Brooks’ teenage daughter revealed that White was upset over several issues, including disagreements about parenting styles. According to reports, he believed Brooks was too lenient with her children.
The daughter also told the court that Brooks had asked White to move out of the home just one day before the shooting happened.
Investigators believe those personal tensions eventually led to the violent attack.
Witnesses Tried to Calm Situation Before Shooting
Court testimony revealed that family members attempted to calm White moments before the shooting began.
According to reports, Kavina Brooks shouted at White to calm down after he allegedly pointed a gun at the victims.
Kenneth Lee also reportedly warned him that he was threatening people’s lives.
However, prosecutors argued that White deliberately chose violence despite those warnings.
During closing arguments, Deputy District Attorney Justin Crocker described the shooting as a conscious decision that escalated into repeated gunfire.
Victims Killed Inside Family Home
Authorities said the shooting happened at Brooks’ home in Redlands.
Kavina Brooks and Kenneth Lee died at the scene. Kavona Brooks-Lee survived initially and was placed on life support but later died from her injuries.
Family members described the attack as brutal and heartbreaking.
A GoFundMe page created after the tragedy stated that all three victims were “brutally shot.”
Teen Daughter Reportedly Hid During Attack
One of the most emotional details revealed during the case involved Brooks’ teenage daughter, who was reportedly inside the house during the shooting.
According to relatives, the teenager quickly hid when the violence started, which may have saved her life.
Family members later claimed White also attempted to target the child before she managed to escape and remain hidden.
The incident left surviving relatives traumatised by the horrifying events.
Eric Otto White Fled After Shooting
Police said White fled the area immediately after the murders.
According to reports, investigators believe he later returned to the house, changed vehicle licence plates, and altered the appearance of his vehicle before leaving California.
Authorities eventually tracked him down in Las Vegas several weeks later and arrested him.
His arrest ended a major manhunt connected to the triple homicide case.
Mental Health Issues Discussed During Trial
Reports stated that White had been diagnosed by mental health experts with schizoaffective disorder and had a history of bipolar and depressive episodes.
Mental health concerns became part of the discussions during the trial, although prosecutors argued the shooting was driven by White’s desire to maintain control over the relationship and household situation.
Despite those arguments from the defence, the jury ultimately found him guilty of first-degree murder.
Death Penalty Still Possible
Because the case involved multiple murders, prosecutors said White could still face the death penalty under California law.
His sentencing date has not yet been announced.
The court will later determine whether he receives life imprisonment or capital punishment.
