STAUNTON — With a heavy law enforcement presence Friday afternoon in Augusta County Circuit Court, Travis R. Brown was sentenced to life in prison on a charge of aggravated murder for the killing of a 3-year-old Staunton girl.
For good measure, Circuit Judge Shannon Sherrill tacked on an additional 20 years behind bars on a second charge of child abuse.
Brown, 32, of Waynesboro, has no option for parole.
Evidence at his August trial showed the Khaleesi Cuthriell was burned, malnourished, cut and most likely beaten before her disappearance.
Brown did not testify in his own defense at his trial but was given a chance to speak in court Friday moments before being sentenced. In a rambling statement he blamed his co-defendant, Candi J. Royer, for the girl’s death, and also claimed there was a conspiracy by the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office and Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tim Martin to have him convicted. Brown predicted he’d win his freedom on an appeal and stated he will be owed an apology.