Carjack suspects take deal

Kim Smith

Friday, Nov. 2, 2001 | 10:35 a.m.

A pair of teenagers accused of going on a three-day purse-snatching and carjacking spree have pleaded guilty to three charges, including one involving Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury.

William Odom and Biana Gurrola pleaded guilty to three counts each of robbery and will receive a three- to 10-year prison term when sentenced by District Judge Jeffrey Sobel Dec. 18.

Deputy District Attorney Christopher Lalli said the teens, then 16, participated in six different carjackings and purse snatching incidents between Feb. 12 and Feb. 14.

All but one of the incidents happened on hotel properties, Lalli said.

The two, who used toy guns during their exploits, were charged with 11 robbery-related counts and transferred to adult court. As a result of the plea agreement, eight of the counts will be dismissed, saving them more than 40 years in prison.

Woodbury fell prey to the couple on Valentine's Day at Palace Station. Odom told police the two wanted Woodbury's car for a trip to Arizona because it was nicer than one they stole the day before.

The teens were arrested Feb. 15 in Phoenix.

Gurrola's attorney, Craig Mueller, said his client "went off the deep end" when she learned her parents were getting a divorce.

She is an emotionally immature young girl who made some bad choices over a couple of days, Mueller said.

Odom's attorney, Cal Potter, also noted that his client is emotionally immature but said drug addiction played a part, too.

"William Odom was suffering from a drug addiction that he was in the midst of being treated for," Potter said. "He'd also had problems as a juvenile, and he fell through the cracks in the juvenile system."