Nichols & 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. The state's attorney and members of the Willey Family then gave their recommendation to the court in regards to sentences for Nichols and Sorenson asking for life in prison without parole for Nichols. After a brief recess Judge James Bekken returned with his decision. Again, Nichols was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Tamara Sorenson was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. The attorneys for Sorenson said during the hearing that an appeal is already planned for her conviction.. Attorney for both Nichols and Sorenson have 30 days to file for an appeal with the court. Sorenson was the mother of the Willeys' 8-year-old granddaughter, and fought them over visitation rights to the child. Authorities said the 29-year-old Nichols shot the Willeys before setting their home on fire near Sykeston.  « Less