From the courthouse: 15 years for Sweetheart Failautusi’s murderer

| Crime | West Seattle news | White Center

We are at the King County Courthouse for two sentencings this afternoon. The first one has just been announced, in last year’s White Center murder of Sweetheart Failautusi: King County Superior Court Judge Mary Yu sentenced Anthony Haroldlee Smith to 15 years, 4 months, as recommended after he agreed to plead guilty. More on partner site White Center Now (including video of the hearing to be added; the clip above is a short placeholder in which you see Smith being taken past the victim’s friends/family in the courtroom right after the sentencing).

Dave April 13, 2012 (3:08 pm)

15 years for shooting someone in the back of the head in cold blood. WTF

Jiggers April 13, 2012 (3:30 pm)

One day he’ll be able to breathe fresh air again? Say it isn’t so…

wsmom April 13, 2012 (3:40 pm)

He Should sit in prison for the rest of his life.

p collins April 13, 2012 (3:51 pm)

Unfortunately, the judge had to go by the sentencing set by the Legislature, Dave, and couldn’t give out what the family/public feel is appropriate. (Don’t know what defendant’s history is, but if it’s his first, that’s taken into account as well.) As a family member who is awaiting a similar type of trial due to my youngest sister’s death by the hand of someone else, I agree that this amount of time isn’t “fair.” In our case, it isn’t the first time the defendant has killed a person…we’ll see what happens in our case in Oregon.

CB April 13, 2012 (8:40 pm)

He deserved nothing less than life in prison.

Lorelee April 13, 2012 (10:10 pm)

Not long enough. My thoughts are with sweethearts family.

me April 14, 2012 (12:45 am)

walk the earth choose who lives and who dies (on camera) and only loose a quarter of your life. WOW

TanDL April 14, 2012 (7:07 am)

Really? So if I walk out into the street and murder someone, I’ll get less time just because it’s my first offense? Really?

That’s crazy! What the heck is going on with our justice system? The molester just a thread or so above this one got 9 years. If he had killed someone in the park would he have received only 6 more years? Or does one have to commit 3 felonies before they are put away for life to protect society? Does that mean 3 murders?

I’m stunned at this sentencing.