Suspect in Murder Case Won’t Face Death Penalty

The district attorney’s office has decided not to seek the death penalty against a Ventura man accused of killing a 78-year-old retired business owner.

Jamie Cid, 29, faces charges of murder, robbery and a special allegation that the killing occurred during a robbery.

If convicted, Cid could now face a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Richard Holmes, supervisor of the district attorney’s major crimes unit, would not discuss specific reasons for the decision. But he said the defendant’s past and the crime were taken into consideration.

“The death penalty was not an appropriate penalty,” Holmes said.

Defense attorney Stan Arky said he is relieved his client will not face a death sentence, but said he thought the charge should be manslaughter rather than murder.

Jack Jamar, 78, was found beaten in his Ventura home March 10 and died two months later from head injuries.

Cid, who authorities said is a transvestite prostitute, has pleaded not guilty.

During a preliminary hearing in January, a prosecutor argued that Cid beat up Jamar after going to his Varsity Street home to rob him.

But the defense attorney argued that his client was defending himself from Jamar, who Cid said pulled out a gun.

Cid’s trial is scheduled to begin May 24.