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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - The man who fatally shot a Utah sheriff's deputy in 2010 has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years.
Scott Curley had pleaded guilty to killing Kane County Deputy Brian Harris with an assault rifle along the Arizona-Utah border in 2010. He also pleaded guilty to theft, burglary and aggravated assault charges.
Coconino County Superior Court Judge Mark Moran said Tuesday that he believed it was necessary to balance Curley's actions with his mental illness.
Defense attorney Brad Bransky says Curley was led to kill by schizophrenic delusions that put him on a battlefield where he felt compelled to defend himself.
A prosecutor had argued for a more strict sentence, saying Curley is a danger to society and would kill again if given the chance.
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