Man Sentenced To 2 Life Terms In Journalist's Death| Print |
WRITTEN BY INDUSTRY NEWS SERVICES
THURSDAY, 06 JANUARY 2011 23:24

by Kansas City News

A judge on Thursday sentenced an admitted killer to two consecutive terms of life in prison in the death of a local television journalist.

Antonio Grandison, 20, entered a guilty plea for second-degree murder, armed criminal action and burglary in the death of Nick Dutcher, 30, who worked on the news desk at KSHB-TV.

A judge sentenced Grandison to two consecutive terms of life in prison, plus 97 years, also to be served consecutively.

Grandison said in a low voice that he was sorry for the death of Dutcher, who was killed on July 20 in his south Kansas City home. Grandison said he strangled Dutcher with a cord when Dutcher arrived home unexpectedly. Grandison said he then stole items from the house and fled.

The crime shook the neighborhood around 114th Street and Blue Ridge Boulevard where Dutcher lived.

Before the sentencing the victim's aunt said he was starting a new life. He had bought a home after caring for his dying mother.

"Today is such a tragic day because two lives have been lost," friend Deann Smith said. It's really unfathomable that Nick died for such unnecessary reasons."

Link to original story.