Watch CBS News

Appeals Court Upholds Weaver's Murder Sentence

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Court of Appeals has upheld the nearly 19-year prison sentence given to a White Bear Lake man convicted of murdering his wife.

Ramsey County Judge Salvador Rosas sentenced Gordon Weaver to 18 years and nine months in prison. Weaver appealed, arguing the judge had abused his discretion.

The sentence was about six years more than what's called for under state guidelines. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the judge determined that Weaver had acted with "particular cruelty" in the murder.

Prosecutors said Weaver's wife, Jean, hit her head when he shoved her in their home in 1999. Instead of getting help, the judge pointed out that Weaver poured accelerant around the room and set the house on fire, hoping to destroy evidence -- including his wife's body.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.