Krista Lueth: Boyfriend of missing MSU student gets life for her murder 15 years after she was last seen
INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN: The former boyfriend of Krista Lueth, a missing Michigan woman, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in connection with her killing.
The 34-year-old woman, who was pursuing a graduate degree in horticulture from Michigan State University, was reported missing in November 2008 when she failed to attend a class, reported Fox News.
Who is Brad Cournaya?
Brad Cournaya was found guilty of the first-degree murder of his ex-girlfriend Lueth's murder.
On Wednesday, September 6, the 56-year-old felon was sentenced 15 years after Lueth's disappearance. An Ingham County jury sentenced him to life in prison.
In November 2008, the victim left her apartment with her pet locked inside and also with food cooking on her stove.
Cournaya has been linked to the murder based on the evidence collected in connection to her disappearance though Lueth's body has never been discovered.
He has previously been convicted in several cases including child abuse, human trafficking of a minor for commercial sexual activity, and failure to register as a sex offender.
Krista Lueth's father regrets not protecting her from killer
During the murderer's sentencing in court, Krista's father Roy Lueth delivered a statement.
He described Krista as someone who loved walking in the woods and was an active horseback and ATV rider.
Roy also recalled the night when Krista brought Cournaya home and introduced him to her family.
"Overall, in my opinion, he was a very unstable person. That day, I told her that the defendant was not someone she should be associated with, and she needed to get away from him now," he said.
Roy regretfully admitted he wished he had done more to protect his daughter.
Ingham County Judge Joyce Draganchuk addressed Cournaya in the victim's statement.
"I did … contemplate trying to appeal to some sense of decency to say something to motivate you to reveal where Krista’s remains are, but I realize you have no empathy or decency. So I crossed that off the list," stated the judge.
"I also considered playing on your conscience in telling you that I hope every single time you close your eyes, you see Krista’s face. But then I reminded myself that you have no conscience."
"Furthermore, you do not deserve to see Krista’s face. You don’t deserve to have any part of Krista with you. In the end, I decided that there really is nothing I can say to you," the judge continued.
The judge addressed the family, "I only have words for those who love Krista, and they are 'I’m sorry for your loss, your loss of a daughter, a friend, a student. She’s always with you, regardless. You don’t need physical remains. The most important part is she’s with you always.'"