http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gN-BOs4IGPkQAAwEG12OeGI6kG3AD8T6UB9G0MARINETTE, Wis. (AP) — A white hunter convicted of killing a Hmong man while both stalked squirrels was sentenced to the maximum 69 years in prison Wednesday by a judge who rejected his claims of self-defense.
Prosecutors said prejudice was James Nichols' true motive in shooting Cha Vang and stabbing him five times in the neck. He was recorded in police interviews as saying that Hmong people are bad, mean and "kill everything and that they go for anything that moves."
In court Wednesday, Nichols turned to Vang's widow, Pang Vue, and said, "I am very sorry for what happened." She bent over, put her face in her hands and began to weep.
Nichols paused, then added, "It has all been emotional for us, and I am greatly sorry for that."
The 29-year-old Peshtigo man's apology had less effect on Marinette County Circuit Judge David Miron: "Frankly, I think it is too little too late," he said.