BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The sentencing of Antonio Martin-Brown to life behind bars is one that Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita said was appropriate given the nature of what happened to his victim, 62-year-old Vincent James Cottone.
"Justice Buscaglia leveled the maximum sentence allowable by law which is a minimum of 25 up to a maximum of life. That means 25 years before he's eligible to see the parole board,” said Sedita.
In October, 20-year-old Martin-Brown was found guilty of second-degree murder.
Prosecutors said after an argument over stolen money, Martin-Brown slashed and brutally beat Cottone to death in his Kenmore home in May 2013. Cottone owned Malone's Bar and Grill.
During Thursday's proceedings in State Supreme Court, Cottone's cousin Toni Barone read a statement. She said her cousin would never hurt a fly and his death is a nightmare she has to relive each and every day.
Defense attorney Andrew LoTempio had often called what Martin-Brown did a "crime of passion," as the two had engaged in an intimate sexual relationship. Prior to sentencing, he claimed his client should have been able to take a plea but his case was "lost in the justice system."
Sedita disagreed.
"The vast majority of our cases do not result in a plea bargain after the defendant is indicted,” said Sedita. “That's how our office really is different, I believe, from most offices in our state. We're probably one of the most aggressive prosecutors’ offices around when it comes to that."
An additional petit larceny charge holds a one year prison sentence and will run concurrently with the murder charge.
LoTempio, Martin-Brown's family, and Cottone's family declined to comment after court.