Judge Convicts Murderer Then Bakes His Wedding Cake, Performs His Ceremony

Danne Desbrow was convicted of murder on September 17, 2013 and then sentenced to life in prison. However, San Diego Superior Court Judge, Patricia Cookson, didn’t let the guilty conviction stand in the way of Desbrow’s brief happiness. Instead the judge agreed to perform Desbrow’s wedding ceremony and she even backed him a wedding cake.

The convicted killer’s wedding ceremony was performed just moments after he was sentenced by the judge to 53 years to life.

While judges often marry people they very rarely do so after convicting them of murder.

While Cookson agreed to marry Desbrow and his bride, she also quickly denied motions for a new trial or a delay in sentencing.

After the guilty verdict was read defense attorney Steve Cline said: “I didn’t know it was going to happen. Obviously, it was an unusual day from start to finish. I mean, I appreciate that she honored the request for them to marry. But, I’ve never seen anything like that.”

The 36-year-old Desbrow was sentenced after killing Kevin Santos in 2003. The case remained unsolved for years, and only moved forward when a witness provided key information in the case.

Desbrow’s attorney attempted unsuccessfully to use a self-defense argument, however, Desbrow was eventually sentenced for first-degree murder.

During the trial Danne Desbrow popped the question to his wife-to-be, Destiny, 33. Destiny and Danne began dating when she was 16-years-old but after she became pregnant he left. Destiny’s son in 2012 said he wanted to meet his father. Danne was eventually able to track down Desbrow’s family using their social media accounts.

Destiny would go on to attend each day of the trial and eventually Desbrow proposed.

Destiny was surprised when she asked the judge to perform the ceremony and her request was approved.

After the guilty verdict was read the judge allowed several family members for the bride and groom to remain in the courtroom. After 10 minutes the ceremony was completed and family members exited.

Debrow was shackled at the feet during the ceremony and five deputies guarded him as the judge carried a bible and performed a full wedding ceremony.

After they kissed they headed to the judge’s chambers where they shared some vanilla Bundt cake that was frosted and presented on paper plates with plastic forks.

Minutes after they shared the judge baked wedding cake the Deputies watching over Danne Desbrow escorted him from the judges chambers and whisked him off to prison.