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A man convicted of running over his wife with a car and killing her went back to court today to be sentenced for murder. It's going to be at least 16 years until Sherman Lynch sees anything outside of prison walls.
Judge Deno Himonas sentenced Lynch to consecutive sentences because of the gravity of the crime committed. He will now serve 15 years to life for murdering his wife and one to 15 years for obstruction of justice.
Inside the courtroom, friends of victim Patricia Rothermich reacted to the sentencing and to Lynch's verbal statements.
Lynch spent nearly a half hour arguing the verdict in this trial, until the judge ordered him to focus on sentencing. He maintained he is innocent in the murder of his wife, though he was not a perfect husband.
Prosecutors read letters from Rothermich's two children, who weren't present.
Lynch was convicted in November of running over Rothermich with a truck. Prosecutors said he committed the crime then stashed the vehicle. He was turned in by his girlfriend, who knew about the truck, but not about his wife.
Lynch's new defense attorney didn't want to comment extensively on camera, but he did say they are going to motion for a new trial. He's asking for a 30-day extension to do some more investigating since he's a new to the case.
E-mail: ngonzales@ksl.com
