The teenager who killed his classmate after she rejected his prom invite was given 25 years in prison on Monday.
The student was identified as 19-year-old Christopher Plaskon. He pleaded no contest to the murder of 16-year-old Maren Sanchez last March. She was stabbed to death when she turned down his invitation to the junior prom. The killing took place on April 25, 2014 inside the Jonathan Law High School in Milford, which was also the day of the prom.
The sentencing was made in Milford Superior Court. Tulsa World reported that the parents of Sanchez felt that the sentence should have been longer. It was also reported that Plaskon will be eligible for parole after 13 years behind bars as it is the new rule for state juvenile sentencing laws.
The father of Sanchez, Jose, said in a statement that the sentencing sends a message that if one commits crime as heinous as murder in the state of Connecticut, they could serve "very little time" and that they could also walk out with a college degree. He added, "I never get my daughter back. My daughter will always be dead."
Many prosecutors are saying that there was evidence that the stabbing was due to the rejection of the prom invitation but the defendant's lawyers, Edward Gavin, argues that the stabbing was not related to the annual event. Still, family and friends of Plaskon said he was upset with Sanchez due to the rejection.
The lawyers of Plaskon also said he showed signs of psychosis. The attack took place at the first floor of the school before their classes started at around 7:15 A.M. Students were crying as police and paramedics came to the school.
One student reportedly tried to pull Plaskon away from Sanchez while another witness claimed he saw the defendant discard a bloody knife. Plaskon was first taken to the principal's office and his clothes were bloodied. He told officials, "I did it. Just arrest me."
Sanchez was still taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead later. She was stabbed in the torso and in the neck. Sanchez reportedly was attending prom with a new boyfriend.
The parents of Sanchez have also filed a lawsuit against Plaskon, his parents, and the Milford school system. Sanchez reportedly told a guidance counselor that Plaskon was troubled and capable of hurting other people.
