Pocono News Section

Convicted Murderer Curran Gets Life

Convicted Murderer Curran Gets Life - Friday, June 20, 2008 at 4:35PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Friday, Jun 20, 2008 @ 04:35pm EST
Sunbury, Northumberland County-

Life in prison. That's the sentence handed down against Richard Curran today in Northumberland County court. Curran was convicted of first degree murder yesterday in the shooting death of his estranged wife, Tina, in August of 2005.

Members of the victim's family urged prosecutors to put Richard Curran in prison for life, rather than put him to death. Tina Curran’s sister, Rebecca Doyle, explained, "We wanted him to have life in prison just for the simple fact that it's too easy for someone to sit in a cell by themselves for 20 or 40 years and then get a needle in the arm to put them to sleep and stop their heart. It's too easy."

It was a decision the entire family agreed upon, with heavy hearts, but clear minds. Tina’s mother, Bonnie Smith, said, "It's done and he got what he had coming to him now. We're all in agreement that life in prison was the best place, or the best thing, for him."

Bonnie Smith read two letters in court before Richard Curran was sentenced. Mrs. Smith wrote the first one, the second was penned by the Curran's eldest daughter, Caitlyn.

As Richard Curran was taken away following his sentencing, he said he wished things could've been different, that he could've had more control over himself that fateful day.

Northumberland County District Attorney Anthony Rosini noted, "I don't think that Richard has remorse for what he did. I think he has remorse for what's happening to him. This was a horrific act of violence that was totally unjustified and deserves the penalty he receives."

Members of Tina Curran's family say they're ready to finally begin a new chapter in their lives. Now they'll turn their focus fully to caring for two young girls left without a father or mother.