'Every day, I live with the guilt and regret of my actions.' Vallum said.
In federal court on Monday, Vallum begged forgiveness from Williamson's family and friends, even though none of them were present to hear his words. US Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued statement saying the Justice Department would 'vindicate' those affected by bias motivated crimes Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a statement saying the Justice Department under his leadership will continue efforts to 'vindicate the rights of those individuals who are affected by bias motivated crimes.' 'The taking of a human life because a person has a particular gender identity is particularly heinous and cannot be tolerated in an enlightened society,' Guirola said. Hate Crimes Prevention Act to prosecute an offense against a transgender person.
The case has been closely watched by LGBT advocates nationwide, who applaud the first use of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. He also pleaded guilty to a state murder charge, which landed Vallum a separate sentence of life without parole. District Judge Louis Guirola stuck to a lighter sentence suggested in a plea deal that cited Vallum's neglected childhood.ĭespite the 49-year sentence, it's unlikely Vallum will ever leave prison. Vallum could have faced life in federal prison, but U.S. Vallum (left) dated 17-year-old Mercedes Williamson (right0 on and off before he shot her with a stun gun, stabbed her repeatedly and beat her to death with a hammer
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