A man convicted of murdering two Alaska Native women was sentenced to 226 years in prison on Friday, ABC News reported.
Brian Steven Smith was sentenced to 226 years in prison for the murders of Alaska Native women Kathleen Jo Henry and Veronica Abchuk. according to Smith was convicted of 14 charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, evidence tampering and sexual assault, and was sentenced in Anchorage, he told ABC News.
Brian Steven Smith was sentenced to 226 years in prison for the murders of two Alaska Native women, Kathleen Jo Henry and Veronica Abchuk. https://t.co/xTKghN27z0
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According to the outlet, Smith refrained from speaking out during the trial, which culminated in February, and remained silent during the sentencing hearing. Anchorage District Attorney Brittany Dunlop and Heather Nobrega presented evidence, including photos from Smith's cell phone and a forensic sketch of the alleged third victim. The court saw graphic video and photo evidence of Smith describing his actions during Henry's murder.
At the verdict, the victim, Abuczuk's daughter, Christy Grimaldi, expressed relief.
MIAMI – FEBRUARY 2002: A judge's gavel sits on a desk in a courtroom at the newly opened Black Police Station and Courthouse Museum in Miami, Florida, on February 3, 2009. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
“I am relieved to know that this defendant will rot and hope that one day he will be overcome with guilt, knowing that he prevented so many people from enjoying their joy,” Grimaldi said, according to ABC News. “To me he will always be a stupid, sick human being who cannot understand the meaning of life.” (Related article: Woman claims doctor sexually assaulted her after installing hidden video camera: Report)
Presiding Judge Kevin Saxby highlighted the wider impact this crime has on society.
“These murders affect all of society, but especially women. They are a nightmare. They rob women of safety in their own communities. The toll continues long after these murders are solved,” Saxby said, according to ABC News.
