Homicide

Former California fire chief gets 16 years to life for murder in girlfriend's slaying

Associated Press
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Former California fire battalion chief Orville Fleming listens as Sacramento Superior Court Judge Sharon Lueras sentences him to 15 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder of his girlfriend, Friday, July 31, 2015, in Sacramento,Calif. Fleming, 57, was convicted of the 2014 slaying of 26-year-old Sarah June Douglas in their south Sacramento home.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) (The Associated Press)

Former California fire battalion chief Orville Fleming responds to a question from Sacramento Superior Court Judge Sharon Lueras during his sentencing hearing for the second-degree murder of his girlfriend, Friday, July 31, 2015, in Sacramento,Calif. Fleming, 57, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the 2014 slaying of 26-year-old Sarah June Douglas in their south Sacramento home.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) (The Associated Press)

Former California fire battalion chief Orville Fleming listens as Sacramento Superior Court Judge Sharon Lueras sentences him to 15 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder of his girlfriend, Friday, July 31, 2015, in Sacramento,Calif. Fleming, 57, was convicted of the 2014 slaying of 26-year-old Sarah June Douglas in their south Sacramento home.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) (The Associated Press)

A former California fire battalion chief has been sentenced to 16 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder of his girlfriend.

A judge in Sacramento ordered the mandatory 15 years to life in prison on Friday for Orville Fleming and added one year for aggravated use of a knife in the death of 26-year-old Sarah June Douglas.

The 57-year-old Fleming was charged with murder in 2014 after Douglas was found dead in their south Sacramento home.

Defense attorney Peter Kmeto says Fleming killed Douglas in an act of passion during a fight. A jury agreed last month.

Fleming's arrest triggered a months-long investigation into the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's training academy that led to firings and demotions.