Jenni-Lyn Watson murderer Steven Pieper sentenced to 23 years to life
(CBS/WTVH) SYRACUSE - Steven Pieper, who pleaded guilty last month to killing his ex-girlfriend Jenni-Lyn Watson, was formally sentenced in Onondaga County Court in upstate New York this morning to 23 years to life in prison.
The parents and sister of Watson spoke in court prior to Judge Anthony Aloi's issuing sentence. Watson's mother called Pieper "the scariest of killers," reported CBS affiliate WTVH. Watson's father also discussed the intense pain that their family has had to go through.
It was the first time the family of the college freshman has spoken publicly about the case.
Pieper also spoke, telling the court that he accepts responsibility for his actions.
After Judge Aloi issued the sentence, he said the 21-year-old Pieper deserved to spend his entire life in prison, reports WTVH
Watson was home on break from Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania when she went missing back in November.
Last month, Pieper pleaded guilty to strangling Watson in her Liverpool, N.Y. home.
Complete Coverage of Jenni-Lyn Watson on Crimesider.
