A judge on Feb. 16 sentenced Melvin Arias to a 45-year prison term after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder with a firearm.
Through a Spanish interpreter, a handcuffed Arias, 35, wearing his jail uniform, told Circluit Judge Robert Hodges he was sorry.
Arias’ lawyer, Antonio Tomas, told the judge his client doesn’t deserve life behind bars. Assistant State Attorney Adam Smith said Arias should spend the rest of his life in prison. Assistant State Attorney Kevin Streiniger, who assisted Smith at trial, was also in the courtroom…