Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Tucson, AZ: Tucson man who killed ill wife faces at least 16 years in prison

TUCSON, Ariz. — A Tucson man faces at least 16 years in prison for killing his chronically ill wife two years ago. The Arizona Daily Star (http://bit.ly/vXJy3w ) reports 53-year-old Sanford Garfinkel pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder and agreed to serve every day of a 16-to-22-year prison sentence.

Garfinkel admitted he smothered 51-year-old Mary Garfinkel on Dec. 10, 2009. Mary Garfinkel was dying from Huntington's disease.

Prosecutors also revealed for the first time Monday an autopsy showing Mary Garfinkel had overdosed on an antidepressant, but the defendant adamantly denied drugging his wife.

Garfinkel admitted he smothered 51-year-old Mary Garfinkel on Dec. 10, 2009.

The defense portrayed Sanford Garfinkel as a hard worker and loving caretaker of a sometimes suicidal woman who was once "loving, fun, intelligent and vivacious."

In addition, witnesses told police that Mary Garfinkel wasn't suicidal and was preparing for the holidays and a birthday.

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