The man who shot and killed a resident during a home invasion in Eastport in 2013 was sentenced Friday to 30 years in prison.
Paul Batterson Jr. was charged with killing 45-year-old Francisco Parir during the home invasion. The judge called the killing a senseless act of violence fueled by drug addiction.
Prosecutors said Batterson and his co-defendant, Matthew Rooney, burst into the home armed with guns, demanding cash. When Parir said he was going to call police, Batterson shot him in the face, killing him. Another homeowner was also shot and hurt.
Parir leaves behind a wife and four children, who live in Guatemala.
Batterson tearfully read a statement in court to apologize to Parir's relatives at his sentencing. "Words can't express how sorry I am for the pain and suffering I caused... I would do anything to trade places with Francisco so it could be my life and not his... My irresponsible actions will haunt me for the rest of my life," he said.
In court today, Parir's relatives said they forgive Batterson.
Rooney was sentenced last week to 17 years in prison for his role in the crime.