Published: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009 3:02 p.m. MDT
A man who repeatedly stabbed his girlfriend to death after she decided to break up with him was sentenced to 16-years-to-life in prison on Tuesday.
Second District Judge Scott Hadley sentenced Johnny Maurice Bell Jr. to 15-years-to-life for murder, a first-degree felony, and added another year to the term because a dangerous weapon was used while committing the crime.
The judge also imposed a $10,000 fine and gave Bell no credit for the time served in jail awaiting the outcome of the case.
Bell, 21, killed his girlfriend, Brittany Nichols, 23, in her North Ogden home on Jan. 4 while her 3-year-old daughter was present. Nichols was stabbed several times in her upper and lower torso.
After the slaying, Bell fled the scene and hopped on a Greyhound bus, apparently headed for San Bernadino, Calif. He was stopped by police at Cove Fort and was arrested.
Bell previously pleaded guilty to the murder charge as part of a plea bargain and in return, prosecutors asked the judge to dismiss a charge of domestic violence, a third-degree felony.
Nichols' father grew suspicious when he didn't hear from her for a few days and went to her home. He found Nichols' body in her bedroom and the toddler present and physically unhurt. Prosecutors say Nichols' parents now have custody of the child.
Bell and Nichols had been dating on and off for about four months, but police believe Nichols wanted to break up with Bell.
— Linda Thomson
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