Life Sentence Without Parole
A Milwaukee man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his role in the brutal beating death of a 5-year-old boy last year. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Jean Kies handed down the sentence to 27-year-old David Pietura on Friday, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Attorney’s Argument and Defendant’s Statement
Pietura’s attorney, Russell Jones, argued for the possibility of parole after 40 years, but Pietura stated during the sentencing that he should not be eligible for parole. He added that if Wisconsin had the death penalty, he would deserve it.
Details of the Crime
Prosecutors detailed that Pietura and a then-15-year-old boy were living with 5-year-old Prince McCree’s family. In October, Pietura and the teen beat Prince to death in the home’s basement using their fists, a barbell, a concrete birdfeeder, and a golf club. They then hid the body in a dumpster. The motive for the attack remains unclear, but Pietura told police that the teen had talked about killing Prince for some time because he didn’t like him.
Charges and Plea Deal
Pietura was charged with being a party to first-degree intentional homicide, child abuse, and hiding a corpse. He pleaded guilty in June to the homicide charge, and prosecutors dropped the other charges in exchange for the plea.
Co-Defendant’s Legal Situation
The teen, now 16, faces multiple charges in adult court, including being a party to first-degree intentional homicide. His attorney is seeking to move the case to juvenile court.
