Ronald McCray faced the man convicted of stabbing his daughter Thursday and told him, “You’re a brutal murderer.”
Michael Huguley lowered his head, not looking at McCray.
“You don’t kill someone you love,” McCray continued in a soft, firm voice, adding that he hopes Huguley spends the rest of his life behind bars.
“I hope God forgives you,” he told Huguley as he finished speaking during Huguley’s sentencing in Summit County Common Pleas Court.
Judge Mary Margaret Rowlands sentenced Huguley, 36, of Akron, to 15 years to life, making him eligible for parole after 15 years. However, she said she believes it is unlikely he will ever be released based on the past practice of the Ohio Parole Board with those convicted of murder.
Huguley, who plans to appeal, didn’t speak during his sentencing at the advice of his attorneys.
A Summit County jury Wednesday found Huguley not guilty of aggravated murder, but guilty of murder, felonious assault and domestic violence in the June 23, 2015, stabbing death of Jasmine Williams, 31, his girlfriend and the mother of his 8-month-old child.
Rowlands, prior to Huguley’s sentencing, found him guilty of being a repeat violent offender, based on his conviction for felonious assault for a 2012 incident in Cuyahoga County. Huguley pleaded guilty for that offense and was sentenced to one year of probation.
Assistant Summit County Prosecutor Brian LoPrinzi urged Rowlands to sentence Huguley to another 10 years — the maximum possible — because of the repeat offender designation.
He pointed to how Huguley’s testimony about the 2012 incident differed from the victim’s account in a police report.
He also said Huguley’s trial account of what happened during his quarrel with Williams was different from the version he previously gave a psychiatrist.
Huguley testified that he stabbed Williams in self-defense after she stabbed him first.
“He is willing to do or say anything to avoid punishment,” LoPrinzi said. “This is a brutal, brutal murder.”
Defense attorneys Joseph Gorman and Eddie Sipplen, however, urged Rowlands not to impose additional time and to go with 15 years to life. They said Huguley is remorseful for Williams’ death and has taken responsibility for his role in it, including considering taking a plea deal before taking his case to trial.
“We also believe it is a tragedy that Jasmine is not here,” Gorman said. “Our hearts go out to the family.”
Gorman said Huguley has mental health issues, including having attempted suicide in the past, cutting his arms and being diagnosed as depressed with psychosis.
“He clearly needs help,” Gorman said.
Gorman suggested that Rowlands not give Huguley the extra prison time to “give him hope.”
Rowlands opted for that course, not imposing additional time for the repeat offender designation.
Before Rowlands announced her decision, she also listened to comments from two friends of Williams and heard a victim advocate read a letter from Chris Williams, Jasmine’s ex-husband and the father of three of her five children.
In his letter, Chris Williams said his three children have suffered nightmares and have been in counseling since their mother’s death. He urged the judge to impose the maximum penalty.
Shelli Johnson, who described herself as Williams’ best friend, said she was on the way to meet Williams when she got a call alerting her to her friend’s death.
“She gave you life and you took it from her,” she said to Huguley.
Destiny Daniels, Williams’ friend who was in the apartment when Williams was stabbed, called Huguley “a demon trapped in a man’s body.” She said all Huguley had to do was let Williams leave — the couple were in the process of breaking up when the quarrel happened.
“I know what I saw,” she said. “Only three people know the truth … You know what you did.”
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @swarsmithabj and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/swarsmith.