Date: October 26, 2016
PAROLE DENIED FOR MAN WHO BRUTALLY MURDERED LIFELONG FRIEND FOR MONEY AND THREW VICTIM’S BODY OUT OF A PLANE IN 1982
SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Board of Parole Hearings, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, denied the parole yesterday of a man with a history of violent crimes who brutally murdered his lifelong friend for money and threw him out of a plane after deliberately smashing the victim’s face so sharks would eat the body. Lawrence Rayborn Cowell, 68, is currently being held at California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo, California. Cowell was sentenced Jan. 26, 1990, to two concurrent terms of 25 years to life in state prison. Cowell will be eligible for his next parole hearing in 2019.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) opposed the parole and Senior Deputy District Attorneys Matt Murphy and Mike Murray appeared with Collene and Gary Campbell, parents of 27-year-old murder victim Scott Campbell, to defend public safety and advocate for justice.
“Cowell callously lured his trusting friend into a trap to gain a few bucks and brutally murdered him. By throwing Scott Campbell out of an airplane and into the ocean, he denied the chance for Collene and Gary to properly bury their son and visit a grave,” stated District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. “Instead of accepting responsibility for what he did and showing remorse, Cowell has continued to lie, shift the blame to others, and assault innocent people each time he was briefly set free. He poses great danger to the community and should never be allowed to be free.”
Murder of Scott Campbell
On April 17, 1982, Cowell, then-33 years old, and co-defendant Donald P. DiMascio, then-32 years old, conspired to murder Cowell’s lifelong friend, Scott Campbell for money. While out of custody on bail for a separate crime, Cowell rented an airplane and hired ex-convict DiMascio to murder Scott Campbell.
Cowell lured Scott Campbell onboard under the pretense of completing his in-flight training to become a pilot and telling the victim that DiMascio was his flight instructor. Once onboard, DiMascio assaulted and strangled Scott Campbell to death while Cowell piloted the plane. Cowell and DiMascio smashed the victim’s face before throwing it from the airplane near Catalina Island to ensure the body would never be recovered.
Later that day, Scott Campbell’s parent’s reported their son missing to the Anaheim Police Department (APD). Upon further investigation by police, Cowell was arrested after being found in possession of Scott Campbell’s Pantera Sports car, which he was stripping and selling the parts.
On Dec. 9, 1985, a jury convicted Cowell of first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery of Scott Campbell, and sentencing enhancements. He was sentenced to two concurrent terms of 25 years to life in state prison and an additional six years for the sentencing enhancements. In 1988, the Court of Appeal overturned his conviction on the grounds that evidence had been improperly admitted and ordered a new trial.
On Dec. 20, 1989, a new jury convicted Cowell on all counts and sentencing enhancement allegations. On Jan. 26, 1990, he was again sentenced to two concurrent terms of 25 years to life in state prison with an additional six years for the sentencing enhancements.
Cowell’s History of Violent Crimes
Cowell’s lengthy criminal history and recidivism while out of custody proves he is a danger to the community. In July 1980, Cowell drove under the influence of alcohol and crashed his car, killing his passenger, Robert Leon Ferguson. Cowell was out of custody on bail while awaiting trial for killing Ferguson when he murdered Scott Campbell. In August 1982, Cowell was convicted by a jury of vehicular manslaughter for killing Ferguson and sentenced to 180 days in jail and probation.
In 1983, Cowell was arrested for Scott Campbell’s murder, and contrary to the California Constitution, he was granted bail again while awaiting the trial. While out on bail in 1984, Cowell assaulted his father, Eugene Cowell, and bit off a significant portion of his mother’s finger when she tried to intervene. Despite the recommendation of the Orange County Probation Department and OCDA that Cowell should be taken into custody as a result of this violence, the Court allowed Cowell to remain free while awaiting trial for Scott Campbell’s murder.
In 1988, following the overturned conviction by the Court of Appeal, Cowell was ordered a new trial for the murder of Scott Campbell and was again out of custody after an appeal bond, despite being a defendant in a capital murder case.
On June 10, 1989, Cowell crashed into another boat while under the influence of alcohol and driving a powerboat at high-rates of speed on the Colorado River. An occupant on the other boat suffered a broken elbow. Cowell was contacted at the scene by police and had a blood alcohol level of .12 percent hours after the crash. He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and three counts of endangerment.
In the 2011 parole opposition letter, the People argued that “his history of violent crimes shows that he is violent, manipulative, egocentric, and will continue to present an unreasonable risk of harm to innocent people until the day he dies. This inmate’s behavior, while benefiting from every conceivable advantage in life, has made a mockery of the criminal justice system. It is our sincere hope he never be allowed hurt anyone else, and our office humbly requests the longest denial possible.”
Lack of Remorse and Rehabilitation
Cowell has continued to lie about his involvement in Campbell’s murder and continually attempts to shift the blame onto the victim. Despite two juries, two judges, and the Court of Appeal affirming the facts presented by the People and the verdicts, he continues to claim that the crime was an unplanned and tragic accident committed in self-defense by his co-defendant DiMascio after the victim pulled a gun. The physical evidence presented at trial and admissions made by Cowell and DiMascio contradict this claim. Cowell has continued to show no remorse for his crimes. He has hurt or killed someone each time he has been released from custody.
“We are pleased the Board agreed he remains a danger to society and should not be released,” said Murphy after the hearing.