George Huguely was found guilty of second degree murder in the 2010 death of Yeardley Love, and a jury recommended he serve 26 years in prison.
Huguely had been facing first degree murder, which carried up to a life sentence. Huguely was sentenced to 25 years on the murder charge and one year for grand larceny
He had faced up to 40 years for the murder charge and up to 20 for the larceny charge.
The suspect showed no visible emotion as the verdict was read, and hung his head as the sentence was announced late Wednesday evening. He was quickly taken from the courtroom. His formal sentencing is scheduled for April 16.
The jury heard testimony from Love's family before beginning deliberations. The defense did not call any witnesses during the sentencing phase.
Huguely was found not guilty of first degree murder, felony murder, robbery, burglary and breaking and entering.
The victim's mother and sister released a statement to media as the jury deliberated the sentence late Wednesday evening, saying in part, "It is truly devastating to wake up each day and realize that she is no longer here. Yeardley's contagious smile, kind spirit and gentle touch have left this world but we know that heaven has an angel like no other."
You can read the entire statement here.
The prosecution said there is no positive from the verdict, regardless of the outcome.
"There's nothing we can say that will make good the terrible and tragic loss to the Love family," said prosecutor Dave Chapman. "There are no winners in this case, there's nothing but loss everywhere."
Stay with 8News for updates.
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The jury has reached a verdict in the George Huguely murder case in Charlottesville. An announcement is expected shortly.
We will have a live update on TV 8 as soon as the verdict is announced.
Huguely is facing first degree murder and other charges (listed below) for the 2010 death of Yeardley Love, a former UVA lacrosse player.
Stay with 8News and refresh this page for updates.
Complete list of charges Huguely is facing:
- First-degree murder
- Felony murder (murder in the commission of a robbery)
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Grand larceny
- Breaking and entering
The jury has other options regarding the murder charge. He can be found guilty of first degree murder, second degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter... Or not guilty.
The deliberations were delayed from closing arguments this past Saturday, which ended late in the day. Court was closed Sunday and Monday, and a grand jury convened Tuesday.
The defense has argued that Yeardley Love was asphyxiated by lying in a bloody, damp pillow. The defense has also stated injuries to Love's brain were caused be resuscitation efforts, something medical experts for the prosecution denied earlier in the case.
Huguely, of Chevy Chase, Md., pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and five other charges in the May 2010 death of Love, a member of the women's lacrosse team.
The jury also has the option of convicting him of manslaughter.
Court documents say the 24-year-old defendant told investigators he kicked in Love's bedroom door, then shook her during an argument, causing her head to hit a wall several times. The state medical examiner's office said the 22-year-old Love died of trauma to the head.
Huguely faces up to life in prison.
Stay with 8News for updates.
Copyright 2012 by Young Broadcasting of Richmond
