Brooks found guilty in road-rage stabbing

AUBURN, Calif. - Timothy Brooks was found guilty of second-degree murder Wednesday for fatally stabbing Robert Ash in Tahoe City last August following a road-rage incident.

Brooks, 26, faces 15 years to life in jail, plus an extra year since the jury also found him guilty of possessing a deadly weapon.

Defense Attorney Marcus Topel said he was disappointed by the jury's decision and said he would file an appeal.

"We will proceed. That's all we can do," Topel said. "I'm stunned. Just stunned."

Deputy District Attorney Christopher Cattran said that although he argued for first-degree murder, he was pleased with the outcome.

"I am happy the jury returned with a verdict of murder. They deliberated for three-and-a-half days. They obviously put a lot of thought into it," Cattran said. "For a murder, it came to trial quickly. We had a good team. We worked hard and we're happy with the verdict. It is justice for Robert."

Robert Ash's mother, sister, niece and nephew gathered outside the courthouse and exchanged hugs and tears of joy.

"Nothing will bring him back, but at least (Brooks) got what he deserved," said Peggy Marraccini, Ash's sister, who attended every day of the two-week trial. "(Ash) was the best brother and father and husband and son. He will be with us in spirit forever."

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 14 at 1 p.m. in Department 1 before Judge Robert McElhany.