Judge sentences Karimu to 60 years

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A judge has sentenced William Karimu to 60 years in prison for the 2011 murder of Lois Hickey of Mishawaka.

Karimu pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced during a hearing Thursday morning.

Before sentencing, the judge asked if the victim's family wanted to address the court, but no one did.

The prosecutor argued that Karimu had a juvenile record including robbery and fleeing law enforcement. The prosecutor said Karimu beat Hickey and broke her cheek bones and stabbed her with her own scissors.

The prosecutor said it was the worst case he has seen.

The defense asked for 45 years.

Karimu told the judge in court that after he broke into Hickey's house, everything he did was in self defense.

The judge sentenced Karimu to 60 years in prison.