SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Last month, a jury found William Grimes guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit burglary for killing 85-year-old Lowell Badger in December 2012. In court on Friday, Judge H.R. Hunt sentenced Grimes 120 years in prison.
Judge Hunt said he was imposing the steep sentence due to the “heinousness” of the crime, stating it was “shockingly cruel and brutal.”
“If you’re free people are in danger,” Judge Hunt added.
Before the sentencing, Grimes was given a chance to speak. He looked at the Badger family and denied he killed Lowell.
“I’m not guilty of murder,” stated William Grimes.
Grimes say he plans to appeal.
The cold case was solved when one of the other men also charged in the murder, came forward and testified that he saw Grimes shoot Badger in the head.
Richard Taft said he, Grimes, and Grimes’ brother Arthur went to Badger‘s home looking for pills and money. They thought Badger would be out of town.
Taft is expected to accept a plea agreement that includes a reduced sentence for his testimony.
Arthur Grimes has pleaded not guilty.
