WTVY.com
May 26, 2006
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A Newton man has been sentenced, after being convicted in the shooting death of a woman.

36-year old Christopher Brian Hawthorne was sentenced to 35-years in prison, without parole.

Back in 2003, Hawthorne shot and killed Patricia Lynn Tomlin.

Assistant Chief District Attorney Bill Filmore says incriminating statements by Hawthorne, and forensic evidence proved the suspect’s guilt.

“The sentencing s totally in the discretion of the court, and is up to the court to make that decision and it’s a tough decision that a judge has to make, we’re just very pleased. You can tell that the judge had though about it for quite a while after the hearing….and we really appreciate what he did,” said Filmore

Hawthorne contended it was an accident, but chief assistant district attorney bill Filmore convinced the jury otherwise.