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Man expresses remorse during sentencing for killing landlord

Gavel shot
Posted at 3:14 PM, Jun 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-08 18:14:40-04

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - A 23-year-old Flagstaff man expressed remorse before he was sentenced to 19 years in prison on a second-degree murder conviction for killing his landlord during an altercation over late rent.

The Arizona Daily Sun reports that James Womble turned toward family and friends of 63-year-old Peter Gillespie in the courtroom Wednesday to ask for forgiveness.

Womble said he "never wanted to hurt" Gillespie, who was stabbed with scissors eight times, with one wound puncturing his heart.

Coconino County Attorney Bill Ring said there was "no justification for ending a quarrel with a killing."