Pocono News Section

Man Sentenced For Murder

Man Sentenced For Murder - Friday, September 7, 2007 at 6:28PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Friday, Sep 7, 2007 @06:28pm EST
Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County

A man from Brooklyn learns his fate after confessing to a fatal shooting in Dennison Township.

It was an emotional day inside Judge Mark Ciavarella's courtroom Friday morning.

“‘How could you have done something so wrong?’ And "Was it worth it?" were some of the questions posed by the victim's Aunt.

She wasn't the only one who spoke to WBRE news after Sam Wright was sentenced for murder.

Samuel Wright flashes a big smile and a few laughs to friends and family minutes after learning he'll spend the next 15 to 30 years behind bars for murder.

Samuel Wright said, "Take care of mama. You hear that?"

The judge also factored in another four and a half to nine years for robbery in the botched drug deal that ended in death.

This family is without their loved one, 24-year-old Valdec Lawes of New York City.

Joan Smith is Valdec Lawes’ Aunt, "He was a loving person, the best."

Smith hopes her nephew's killer learns a lot when he's locked up. Smith declared, "That his heart will be changed, he will know that God gives life, and that it's only God who's supposed to take it away."

Samuel Wright apologized to the family, even begged them to pray for him. But, was it enough for those closest to the victim?

Lorna Lawes stated firmly, "Honestly I don't think it was genuine. I'm his mom and I don't think it was genuine, but I will accept it."

Lorna Lawes and her family are trying to accept the fact their loved one was shot in the head and left to die in an SUV in Dennison Township. In court, Wright's attorney says his client spoke from the heart when he addressed the family.

Defense Attorney Nanda Palissery spoke to WBRE News, "It was pretty heartfelt."

Luzerne County Assistant District Attorney Mike Vough said, "He appeared remorseful, said he was remorseful, obviously they become remorseful to impress the judge to get a lower sentence." Prosecutors are pleased with this sentence but know the crusade to crack down on drugs is far from over.

A.D.A. Vough added, "Clearly, drugs have been a major problem in the community and continue to be." Prosecutors also say on Thursday Wright pleaded guilty to federal charges for his involvement in a gun store robbery in Hazleton prior to the homicide. Wright’s sentencing from that will determine what prison he is sent to.