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Zielinski sentenced to life in prison for murder of ex-wife's boyfriend

In court Tuesday morning, a judge sentenced David Zielinski to life in prison for the murder of his ex-wife's boyfriend last year. He will not be eligible for parole for 57 years.
On Tuesday, David Zielinski learned his sentence.
Michael Jackson

TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - A killer learned his sentence Tuesday morning.

David Zielinski was convicted of murdering his ex-wife's boyfriend, Michael Jackson, after shooting and stabbing him to death last year.

Last week, Zielinski was found guilty of murder, aggravated burglary, kidnapping and felonious assault.

In court Tuesday morning, Judge Ruth Ann Frank handed down the maximum sentence: life in prison. However, Zielinski and his lawyers plan to appeal. He will not be eligible for parole for 57 years -- when he's 91.

Franks said Zielinski is a risk to harming the public if he's released.  

"We are certainly pleased with the sentence. At this end of the day, a mother lost her son. That's a tragedy. I hope we found justice for her. I hope we brought her some closure, but we can never make her whole again," said Lindsay Navarre, prosecuting attorney.
Zielinski addressed the victim's family, the Jacksons, and his own family, acknowledging the pain he has put them through. Then he continued to speak for nearly 10 minutes, but his statement was hard to follow. 

After he spoke, Jackson's mother addressed the judge.

"He would always come in the house and say, 'Hi Mama!' I'll never hear that again," said Pamela Jackson. "My son's death will never be closure for me. It's a step. It's a process. But this is tough. It's a tough journey. This is hard."

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