NFL

Final Defendant in Sean Taylor's Killing Denied Lesser Sentence

The last defendant in the murder case of UM and Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor was denied his request for a sentence reduction.

Venjah Hunte tearfully pleaded with a judge on Friday for a lesser sentence, "All I'm asking is for 20-years (crying.)"

Hunte was facing life in prison after his conviction but because he cooperated with prosecutors, he was given a plea deal of 29 years in prison. But on Friday he asked for even less time.

"I'm asking you for a second chance for my child," Hunte said to the judge. His mother also pleaded with the judge for a lighter sentence.

Hunte and four co-defendants broke into Taylor's Palmetto Bay home in 2007 to rob the popular NFL player. Taylor was in the house at the time of the burglary and surprised the defendants.

Eric Rivera was the shooter who killed Taylor. The other three defendants were all implicated in the murder and burglary. Rivera was sentenced to 56-years in prison and the other defendants also got substantial prison time.

After considering the pleas, the judge did not waiver, sentencing Hunte to 29 years behind bars.

Hunte's mother had only one comment, "I serve a savior and his name is just Jesus for us," Wanda Furgeson said.

The rest of Hunte's family left without making any public comments.

And now almost ten years after his murder, the Sean Taylor murder case is closed.
 

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