|
 Former
MMA fighter Jonathan Koppenhaver, a.k.a. War Machine, was today sentenced to
life in prison in Las Vegas for his brutal attack on ex-girlfriend Christy Mack.
She was attacked by him three years ago and suffered major injuries at his
hands. War Machine, 35, will be eligible for parole in 36 years (2053) when he
is 71 years old. He was found guilty two months ago on 29 of 34 counts,
including battery, sexual assault and kidnapping, but avoided attempted murder
charges due to hung jury. Mack was at the hearing which had him sentenced to
life and begged for the judge to issue the maximum sentence. His lawyer
attempted to get a new trial by claiming it was a case of blind rage and he
didn’t have enough time to prepare his case. At the sentencing hearing he blamed
War Machine’s behavior on his mother, steroids and chronic traumatic
encephalopathy (CTE). He also claimed that War Machine (he legally changed his
name to that) was a new man because he found God while in prison. The sentence
is partly his own making since he pled not guilty during the trial and turned
down deals that could have gotten him a 16-year stretch and an option for 18 to
40 years. |
