Jennie Runevitch/Eyewitness News
Morgan County - John Myers, the man convicted of killing Indiana University student Jill Behrman, was sentenced Friday to 65 years in prison.
Myers stayed quiet in court for the sentencing hearing, as he did during the October trial. However, Behrman's parents took the stand to be a voice for their daughter, pleading for a lengthy prison term.
"Actually it kind of felt good to actually be able to speak and say something about how I feel and what this has done to me, to us, to our family," said Marilyn Behrman, Jill's mother.
"There is no more normal for our lives," said Eric Behrman, Jill's father. "It's changed completely."
In court, the judge considered the brutal nature of the crime when he gave Myers the maximum sentence of 65 years. The judge called the crime especially cruel and cold-blooded. Jill Behrman was stripped naked, taken to a field, forced face-down in the dirt and shot in the head.
Prosecutors were pleased with the judge's decision.
"Today to be able to look you guys in the eye and say that it was John Myers' fault. John Myers is doing 65 years - the maximum sentence for the crime - and that's justice," said Morgan County prosecutor Steve Sonnega.
The judge found three aggravating factors to increase Myers' sentence from the standard 55 years, including his criminal history.
"He committed battery against his father, who had cancer - basically couldn't fight back and protect himself, and like I said, that's another innocent victim that he attacked," said Bob Cline, deputy prosecutor.
Still, Myers' defense attorney plans to appeal. "This'll be a good opportunity for the Court of Appeals to address what conduct a jury should be required. What is expected out of a jury," said Patrick Baker.
Baker had asked for a mistrial after court records showed jurors had food fights, played football and ran races at their hotel during the trial. The judge ruled the jury's actions do not warrant a new trial.
