LAKEPORT – A Clearlake man who is alleged last year to have murdered a woman and shot several others will stand trial on murder and attempted murder charges, and could face life in prison if convicted.

Wilbur Home Cope, 36, of Clearlake was arrested Sept. 10 after he allegedly shot and killed Kristin Raviotta; shot his ex-wife Michelle Cain and her current husband, Terry Cain; and also shot Sharon England.

Cope, who has pleaded not guilty to the crimes, was in Superior Court Judge Arthur Mann's court for a preliminary hearing on Friday, according to the District Attorney's Office. The hearing included testimony from Clearlake Police Detective Richard Towle, who was involved in the investigation for the September incident.

Mann ruled that Cope will stand trial for several criminal charges and allegations.

The charges include:

– First degree murder for the death of Raviotta, with the special allegation of personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing death;

– Attempted murder of Terry Cain with premediation and deliberation, with the special allegations of personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury, and personally inflicting great bodily injury resulting in paralysis;

– Aggravated mayhem upon the person of Terry Cain, with the same two special allegations listed in count two;

– Attempted murder of Michelle Cain with premeditation and deliberation, with the special allegation of personal and intentional discharge of a firearm; and

– Attempted murder of England with premeditation and deliberation, with the special allegation of personal and intentional discharge of a firearm.

The District Attorney's Office reported that if Cope were found guilty of the charges, he faces life in prison with the possibility of parole.

However, if found guilty Cope's chances for parole could be slim. The DA's Office reported the charges could result in his having to serve 141 years in prison before being eligible for parole.

A Friday afternoon call to Cope's defense attorney, Bruce Laning, was not returned.

Cope will return to court for further proceedings at 8:15 a.m. April 9 in Superior Court's Department 3.

Deputy District Attorney John Langan is prosecuting the case.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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