Teen-Ager Gets 25 Years to Life in Murder of Girl, 7

A Newhall teen-ager, described by his victim’s mother as a “monster,” was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison Friday for sexually molesting and murdering a 7-year-old neighbor, whose body was found stuffed behind the teen-ager’s bed three days after she disappeared.

Curtis Cooper, who was 14 when he strangled Sara Nan Hodges last March, will probably spend about 10 years in custody, because the California Youth Authority can only retain jurisdiction over him until he reaches age 25.

During an emotional sentencing hearing, Linda Hodges, the victim’s mother, condemned Cooper’s parents for failing to notice early warning signs of his emotional problems. “I believe that those responsible waited far too long to seek help,” she said.