Video: Sweetheart Failautusi’s killer sentenced to 15 years, 4 months in prison
2:51 PM: Almost two months after we brought you first word that Anthony Haroldlee Smith had pleaded guilty in the murder of 23-year-old Sweetheart Failautusi last August, he has just been sentenced at the King County Courthouse downtown.
First, Judge Mary Yu heard two of the victim’s close relatives – two of the dozens who packed the courtroom, many wearing shirts with her photo on the front – speak tearfully – not “to tell (the judge) how to do (her) job,” as sister Mona Failautusi put it, as she acknowledged that God is the ultimate judge – but because they wanted to be here for “Sweetie.” Smith briefly, mumblingly apologized. Judge Yu told him she hopes he will while in prison “find some source in your life that will give you hope.” She went with the suggested sentence of 184 months in prison and three years of probation, plus restitution to be determined. More to come, including video of the entire hearing.
3:21 PM: We have added a short clip of Smith right after the hearing, as he was taken past Sweetheart’s friends and family in the courtroom.
6:24 PM: Immediately above this line, video of the entire 28-minute hearing. In addition to Sweetheart’s sister Mona, relative Tiare Faletogo also spoke to the judge, heartfelt and wrenching, bringing gasping sobs from some in the gallery. She spoke of the horror of the night Sweetheart was killed – “I did not cry that night because I couldn’t, I was numb, it was August and it felt like winter,” as family members rushed to the scene and saw Sweetheart lying dead, face down, on the street. She and Mona both asked Smith why he left that night and came back, killing Sweetheart – why he didn’t just “walk away” from their conflict. He had no answer.
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