2nd resentencing for Susan Clevenger postponed to June

Jason Kotowski
·2 min read

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A months-long postponement was granted Friday for a second resentencing hearing in the case of Susan Clevenger, who is serving life without parole for her role in the death of her boss more than 20 years ago.

A new resentencing date was scheduled June 12 after defense attorney Roger Lampkin said more investigation is needed. Judge Michael G. Bush granted the postponement, but told him to be prepared to proceed in June.

“I’ll give you this lengthy continuance but it has to be done,” Bush said.

Prosecutor Gina Pearl said she was ready.

Clevenger, 49 was previously resentenced in 2021 following changes to the state’s felony-murder rule. Her murder conviction in the death of Bradley St. Clair was reduced to kidnapping, the underlying felony, and she was resentenced to eight years on that charge.

But her convictions on charges of kidnapping for ransom resulting in death and conspiracy to commit kidnapping for ransom still left her serving life without parole.

In 2022, an appellate court ordered Clevenger returned to Kern County for a second resentencing hearing after determining Bush didn’t realize he had the discretion to resentence Clevenger on all charges, not just the murder charge.

Clevenger is also seeking clemency from Gov. Gavin Newsom. The District Attorney’s Office opposes her release.

Clevenger and former boyfriend Keith Shell, 56, were convicted in St. Clair’s death on Aug. 17, 2000. Clevenger, who worked as St. Clair’s secretary, plotted with Shell to kidnap St. Clair — third-generation co-owner of St. Clair Investments — at his office and hold him for ransom.

After making sure St. Clair was alone, Clevenger opened the door for Shell. An alarm went off during the kidnapping and, after a struggle, St. Clair was bound and gagged with duct tape. He was strangled with his necktie.

Shell’s fingerprints and palm prints were found on the duct tape. He is serving life without parole.

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