Three young men convicted of killing a Utah tourist on a subway platform were sentenced to the maximum 25 years to life in prison by a judge who called them "a pack of jackals."
Brian Watkins, 22, was fatally stabbed in September 1990 after defending his mother, Karen, during a robbery in the subway. His father, Sherwin, was knocked down, slashed and robbed of $200."What need was there to slay this boy, under the bright lights of that platform in full view of his family?" Justice Edwin Torres asked as he pronounced punishment Thursday afternoon.
"No murder ever was committed with less provocation for more trivial reasons," Torres said, noting that the defendants used the money for the $15 admission to Roseland, a nearby dance hall, and partied until 4 a.m.
After Thursday's sentencing, Sherwin Watkins said, "We are happy that justice was served here." He thanked Torres and the Manhattan district attorney's office for "the valiant job they did" and the police, saying, "We don't appreciate these guys enough."
Karen Watkins said she wanted everyone to remember Brian "as a loving son." She thanked all who had written to express support for her family.
The youths sentenced Thursday were convicted in April of murder and robbery. The defendants were Yull Gary Morales, 19, the one who stabbed Watkins; Anthony Anderson, 20; and Ricardo Lopez, 19. All are from Queens.The defendants' families declined comment as they left the courthouse. Morales' family walked out before Torres was finished talking. Outside the courtroom several defense lawyers told their clients' families the youths would likely be freed on appeal.
Four other youths were convicted of robbery and murder in December and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. They were Ricardo Nova, Pascal Carpenter, Johnny Hincapie and Emiliano Fernandez. All are 19, and all are from Queens.
The case of an eighth defendant, Luis Montero, 23, was severed from the others. Attorneys for the other defendants speculate there is insufficient evidence to try him and charges will be dropped.