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Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009 | 8:52 a.m.
Clifford McClain
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A jury late Monday found Clifford McClain, 29, guilty of first degree murder in the death of his ex-wife in Las Vegas last year.
He was also found guilty on two counts of domestic violence battery and is facing a minimum of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life without parole, said Clark County District Attorney Phillip Smith.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. — four hours after it left the courtroom — the 12-member jury returned and delivered its verdict before a Clark County District Court courtroom that was somber and quiet, Smith said.
Clifford McClain was charged with murder in the death of his ex-wife, 24-year-old Allainna McClain, whose body was found at a home in Northwest Las Vegas on Feb. 17, 2008.
She was found in the garage by her mother-in-law and the Clark County Coroner ruled the death a homicide due to asphyxiation.
Prosecutors said throughout the two-week-long trial that Clifford McClain struck his ex-wife in the head with a wooden cane and then strangled her.
Clifford McClain testified on Fridaythat he was acting in self-defense and tried to prevent Allainna McClain from grabbing a knife during a heated argument.
Their feet became tangled, he said, and as the couple fell down, Allainna McClain's head struck a parked car and then the floor, he said.
The sentencing phase of the trial begins today.
Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or jeff.obrien@hbcpub.com.
May God look over Geno, Allaina & both families. Geno did not intend to harm her, and he does not deserve to spend the rest of is life in prison. He pays for this every single day, and will continue for the rest of his life. Nobody except for God should judge him.
I feel so sorry for those two beautiful children who have now lost both of their parents. However I am very happy that he finally has to pay for the harm he has done. I take comfort in knowing he cannot harm her anymore. God bless both families. This has been a very difficult time for all involved. RIP Allainna I love you and miss you everyday.