Nichols and Sorenson Sentenced

It's life in prison without parole for Aaron Nichols and life in prison with a possibility of par...  More »

It's life in prison without parole for Aaron Nichols and life in prison with a possibility of parole for Tamara Sorenson. Nichols and Sorenson, of Fargo, were convicted last month by a jury in Devils Lake. Today they were in a Fessenden courtroom to receive their sentences in front of Judge James Bekken. Nichols was convicted of murder and Sorenson was convicted of being his accomplice in the deaths of 70-year-old Donald Willey and his 67-year-old wife, Alice, in April 2007. The defense today spoke first on behalf of Nichols and Sorenson but both defendants waived their right to speak in hopes of an appeal. Nichols' attorney, Robert Martin, maintained that he suffers from an extreme emotional disturbance and said they were only seeking the possibility of parole. Sorenson's attorney, David Ogren, asked for the opportunity for rehabilitation and a return to society. The state's attorney and members of the Willey family then gave their recommendations to the court on what they felt was a fair sentence for both defendants... After a brief recess, Judge Bekken returned to the courtroom and revieved the information presented, before finally giving his ruling... Sorenson is required to serve eighty-five percent of her life sentence before being eligible for parole, but attorney, David Ogren, said they are planning an appeal. There is still no word on whether or not Nichols will appeal his sentence.  « Less