Appeals court affirms sentence in police officer's murder

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Jeffrey Finley

Jeffrey Finley (WSBT file photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: May 15, 2008 at 5:27 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 15, 2008 at 5:33 PM EDT

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Court of Appeals Thursday affirmed the sentences of Jeffrey Finley, who is serving 55 years in prison for the murder of South Bend Cpl. Scott Severns and 10 years for attempted robbery.

Finley had appealed his sentences on the grounds that his age, lack of criminal record and expression of remorse did not receive due weight as mitigating factors. He also argued that his sentences should have been imposed concurrently.

But a court of appeals, in a decision posted on the Indiana Court of Appeals Web site, found the sentences appropriate.

Finley was sentenced Sept. 26 in St. Joseph Superior Court.

Friday, May 16 at 2:50 PM WOW wrote ...

Have you ever noticed when somebody kills another person, they run and hide like a coward. If they acted like they were so mean and tough to kill somebody in the first place, especially a cop, then stand up and take the punishment instead of running and hiding like a coward. I bet he's not so tough now. Now he says he's remorseful, aww!!! isn't that just pathetic. Too bad. Lack of age and no prior convictions, well let's see, you took a life and that was your decision.

Friday, May 16 at 11:13 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I remember a time when killing a police officer ment death to the offender. I don't understand how/why this has changed

Friday, May 16 at 10:53 AM class of 87 SB LaSalle wrote ...

Cpl Severns was murdered during a robbery. He was a police officer, and he was murdered. He did not deserve to die, and the scum who killed him(now they are remorseful?) deserve the death penalty. What redeeming qualities do these men have? Can they hold down a job, and be given responsibility? NO! They would rather steal from people who earned their keep. Cpl. Severns was my high school classmate, and his family is forever changed by this. Why do murderers deserve any mercy? Why?

Friday, May 16 at 6:28 AM Bill wrote ...

This punk is trash and should have gotten death, but that isn't allowed for jeveniles anymore.

Thursday, May 15 at 11:52 PM Anon wrote ...

This piece of crap should never breathe fresh air again!

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