Entwistle sentenced to life in prison
Thursday, 26 Jun 2008 15:54
Neil Entwistle been found guilty of killing his wife and nine-month old baby
A British man has been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of killing his wife and nine-month-old baby.
Neil Entwistle, 29, of Worksop, fled to the UK after murdering his wife Rachel, 27, and Lillian Rose, at their house in Massachusetts.
A jury at Middlesex county superior court yesterday found Entwistle guilty of first degree murder.
The judge in the case described the crimes as "incomprehensible" and a "violation of the bonds that we recognise as central to being human beings".
Entwistle had previously denied the charges with his defence team claiming Rachel had killed their child before taking her own life.
The jury, however, failed to believe the claims and he was also convicted of illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
Speaking after the case yesterday, Joe Flaherty, spokesman for Rachel's parents, said: "We may never know why this happened, but we do know that Rachel and Lillian Rose loved and trusted Neil Entwistle.
"Neil Entwistle will now live with his evil deeds for the rest of his natural life."
Entwistle's parents Clifford and Yvonne also made statements claiming their son was innocent.
"We will continue to fight for our innocent son in the hope that some day justice will prevail and our little grand-daughter Lilly will rest in peace." Clifford Entwistle said.
During the trial, the court heard how Entwistle had built up considerable debt and had used the internet to search for escorts as well as looking at websites about killing and suicide.
The case attracted huge interest on both sides of the Atlantic, with almost 50 witnesses giving evidence during the two weeks.
Speaking before his sentencing, the parents of Rachel claimed their dreams had been shattered by the "selfish" actions of Entwistle.