Former U.Va. lacrosse player faces 26 years

Former U.Va. lacrosse player faces 26 years

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — A former University of Virginia lacrosse player faces 26 years in prison for the beating death of his former girlfriend.

The prosecutor who meticulously and methodically constructed the case against George Huguely V in the May 3, 2010, beating death of Yeardley Love spoke glumly late Wednesday about a trial that put on display a much-diminished athlete and the horrific injuries he inflicted upon the young woman he professed to love. It played out before two families shattered by the experience.

“There’s nothing to make good the terrible tragedy done to the Love family,” prosecutor Dave Chapman said under an umbrella in a drenching rain outside the courthouse. “We hope they feel some solace.”

Jurors deliberated about nine hours before returning a verdict on the murder count, then recommended that Huguely serve 25 years. The maximum prison term for second-degree murder is 40 years.

The 24-year-old defendant from Chevy Chase, Md., could have received a life term if convicted of first-degree murder. He also was found guilty of grand larceny, with the jury recommending one year in prison.

Circuit Judge Edward Hogshire set an April court date for sentencing matters before formal sentencing, expected to be held in summer. He is not bound by the jury’s recommendations, but Virginia judges typically heed jurors’ wishes.

Huguely was found not guilty of four other charges, including breaking and entering and burglary. Jurors could have returned lesser verdicts of involuntary or voluntary manslaughter.