Platz found guilty of killing daughter in campground

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE -- Lisa Platz stood sobbing Wednesday in court after a jury found her guilty for the first-degree murder of her 9-year-old daughter.

Platz, 33, faces life in prison without parole. Sentencing is scheduled for May 16 at El Dorado County Superior Court.

The jury of seven men and five women deliberated for a day and a half before finding Platz guilty on the murder charge and special circumstances of kidnapping.

They couldn't reach a unanimous decision on whether she used a military knife to fatally slash Rebbeca Aramburo's throat.

Platz, Rebbeca and James Csucsai were discovered at Campground by the Lake on Sept. 21, 2001. The two adults were wanted for kidnapping Rebbeca in Washington state from her stepmother.

A nine-hour negotiation, with Csucsai doing most of the talking, ended with authorities storming the small tent, cutting the sides and finding Rebbeca's body wrapped in blankets. The two adults had knife wounds in a supposed murder-suicide.

Both pleaded not guilty at an April, 5, 2002, arraignment. Later that day, Csucsai hanged himself in jail with a bed sheet.

District Attorney Gary Lacy said there was "no justifiable defense," but added the case wasn't easy.

"I wouldn't say it was a walk in the park," Lacy said. "It was more difficult when Csucsai killed himself."

Meyer, Platz's attorney, pinned the blame on Csucsai. Rebbeca's blood was found on Csucsai's sweatpants and cuffs, which Meyer said indicated Csucsai kneeled on the girl and slashed her throat.

Outside the courtroom, Meyer said he would appeal.

In Washington, Rebbeca's father remained uncertain whether justice was done.

Jose Aramburo said if a Washington court had revoked Platz's bail after she failed to return Rebbeca during a spring 2001 visitation, his daughter might still be alive.