Charlottesville, VA – A judge in Charlottesville sentenced former UVA lacrosse player George Huguely to 23 years in prison for the killing of Yeardley Love back in 2010.
The decision came out Thursday afternoon after hours of testimony in the Charlottesville courtroom.
The judge also sentenced him to one year for a grand larceny charge in this case, but that sentence will run concurrent to the 23 year sentence. Huguely has already served two years.
The Commonwealth called three witnesses who testified seeing several alcohol fueled incidents with Huguely in the months and years leading up to Love's death.
Friends and family packed the courtroom in Charlottesville Thursday. A priest who counseled Huguely the last two years he's been in prison took the stand.
Huguely's aunt called him charismatic and the type of friend you would want your kids to be around.
George Huguely spoke for the first time Thursday. He apologized to Yeardley's family and says he hopes he found peace.
Just after the sentencing, the defense and commonwealth held a news conference. Here's what they had to say:
"All I see is loss...it will be that way forever, it's such a rough
approximation and we just wish that it didn't happen," said Dave
Chapmen, the Commonwealth's attorney.
"We fundamentally believe in the
jury system in our courts, but we fundamentally disagree that the
conviction in this case for second degree murder was at all
appropriate,"said Rhonda Quagliana, the defense attorney.
The defense is vowing to appeal Huguely's conviction.
Yeardley's family says they are just relieved to have this chapter behind them.
Commonwealth's Attorney Speaks to Media
Charlottesville Courtroom
