Killer Apologizes During Sentencing Hearing
Jokshan Bryant admitted to killing two people during a jealous rage in Bristol in 2008.
Jokshan Bryant pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter.
A New Britain man will spend the next 37 years in prison for killing two people in a jealous rage in Bristol in 2008.
Jokshan Bryant stood quietly in New Britain Superior Court on Tuesday as relatives of the men he's admitted killing tearfully described their pain during his sentencing hearing.
In April, just as he was set to stand trial for murder, Bryant pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter in the deaths of Ronald Brown and Eric Kimberly.
"We hold onto the memories, get through each day hoping he's in a good place and in peace," said Carol Jones, Eric's mother.
"It breaks my heart to think of all the things in life he loved and will miss out on because of one man's poor decision to take his life in such a senseless way," said Danielle Zinn, Eric's sister.
Bryant and Brown were involved with the same woman, which motivated the killings, according to police and prosecutors.
The two men argued inside a vacant Bristol business before Bryant shot Brown, according to police. Bryant also shot Kimberly, who was a friend of Brown's.
Their bodies were found dumped along Interstate 384 in Manchester and Bolton. Both were wrapped in plastic, according to police.
"She couldn't believe how her father was tossed out like a bag of garbage on the side of the road," said Geri Roy, who is the grandmother of Brown's teenage daughter.
Before his sentence was handed down, Bryant apologized to the families of his victims.
"If I could change what happened or avoid that night completely, I would. I would like you to know that I am deeply and sincerely sorry for being the one that took your loved ones from you."
In handing down the 37 year sentence, the judge called the crime an unspeakable tragedy.
