Sentencing for Ariz. murder turns emotional

FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2003

A Navajo man was sentenced to 25 years to life for murdering a Hopi woman in Arizona.

At a sentencing hearing in a county court, Jeremiah Becenti, 22, said he doesn't remember stabbing Kim Quanimptewa 44 times because he was drunk. He also said alcohol was hurting Navajo people and wanted to inform people about the dangers of drinking.

Quanimptewa's family members also spoke at the hearing. Brother Kevin had to be escorted from the courtroom for rushing at Becenti and saying he deserved to die.

Get the Story:
Confrontation at sentencing (The Arizona Daily Sun 5/15)