(WSBT) The man convicted of murdering four family members in 1989 faces a sentence of 160 years behind bars.

A judge sentenced Jeff Pelley Tuesday afternoon for the shooting deaths of his father, stepmother, and two stepsisters in their Lakeville home. Pelley was 17 at the time. A jury found him guilty of the murders in July.

Pelley spoke to the judge before he was sentenced. It was the first time he said anything in the courtroom during the case, as he didn’t testify during the July trial.

Pelley told the judge he didn’t kill his family. Pelley also said he wished he had been home when his family was killed so maybe he could've done something to stop the murders.

Some witnesses for the prosecution asked the judge to show Pelley mercy. However, they also said the victims deserve justice. Both sides said this ordeal has been tough on the family.

“I remember when we got the verdict of guilty the family members were telling us it was still a tragedy because now Jeff has a lot of time being locked up in front of him,” said Chief Deputy Prosecutor Frank Schaeffer, who tried the case in court.

One of Pelley’s stepsisters wasn’t home during the murders. Jessica Toronjo told the judge how much these murders have devastated her life.

“I miss my mom and sisters very much,” she said before the sentencing. “It's been very hard; there will never be actual closure, it will always hurt.”

Pelley’s biological sister, Jacque Delp, believes her brother didn’t do it. Before the sentencing she told the judge police zeroed-in on her brother and didn’t look at other suspects. After the hearing she told WSBT News there's no way her brother murdered their family.

“He’s goodhearted and compassionate and is willing to give of his time and his resources to others and helping those in need,” Delp said. “He’s wonderful with his family and his family comes first and he's ready to come home.”

Pelley’s defense lawyers asked the judge to only give him 30 years. They've already started working on an appeal with a lawyer in Indianapolis.