Thursday, September 10, 2009

Providence, RI: Man Who Killed Girlfriend, Set House on Fire, Sentenced to Life

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Providence man charged with killing the mother of his child then setting fire to her home to cover his tracks has been sentenced to life in prison.

Herbert Byrd was convicted on Wednesday of first-degree murder and arson in connection with the stabbing and beating death of Linda Encarnacao in May.

Authorities say Byrd was watching Encarnacao's two children, ages 2 and 4, at his own apartment, but left them alone to go to her home, where he stabbed her repeatedly, strangled her and beat her, before setting the fire.

Police said the couple had a child together, but Encarnacao was not interested in continuing the relationship.

Byrd said in court that he has asked God for forgiveness. He will be eligible for parole in 2029.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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