Errol Moore, 21, originally told detectives in July of 2010 that he had nothing to do with the disappearance of Janell Aaron, 20, Moore's girlfriend and the mother of his infant daughter... Moore later confessed to detectives that he killed Aaron during an argument after she told him she was planning to leave him for another man.... Moore claimed he killed Aaron in self-defense after she tried to stab him with a knife.
The self-defense claim apparently seemed credible to jurors. Last month, they convicted Moore of voluntary manslaughter, rather than the more serious charge of murder. The jury also found Moore guilty of aggravated assault, concealing a death and false statements...
But a stone-faced Benefield sentenced Moore to 56 years in prison. She scolded Moore for the lies he told and for his lack of remorse. "It's awfully easy to impugn another person when they're not here to defend themselves," said Benefield. "When you take them out of the picture, and they can't defend themselves, it's easy to say things. And you did that before anyone even knew where she was."