El Cajon
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A chiropractor who pleaded guilty to killing his new roommate was sentenced Thursday to 20 years to life in state prison.
Vern Hubka, 37, of El Cajon, pleaded guilty Oct. 26 to second-degree murder in the June 13 death of Theodore Hammer, 35, who had recently moved in with him.
“The victim was beaten severely with a hammer to the head. There were multiple stab wounds,” Deputy Dist. Atty. Jennifer Yackle said after the sentencing.
Yackle said the roommates developed friction over Hammer’s continued residence at Hubka’s home.
Hubka received 15 years to life for the murder and a consecutive five-year term for having a prior arson conviction. Municipal Judge John Thompson also fined Hubka $200.
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