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CNN Saturday Morning News
Brazill Defense Pleased With Sentence
Aired July 28, 2001 - 07:11 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BRIAN NELSON, CNN ANCHOR: Lawyers for a 14-year-old boy convicted of killing his teacher say that, all things considered, they are pleased with his sentence; but they plan to appeal anyway.
Brazill was sentenced yesterday to 28 years in prison, and CNN's Mark Potter has our report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MARK POTTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Nathaniel Brazill could have been sentenced anywhere from 25 years to life in prison for shooting and killing teacher Barry Grunow last year. The term imposed by Judge Richard Wennet surprised virtually everyone involved in the case.
JUDGE RICHARD WENNET, PALM BEACH CIRCUIT COURT: ... that as to the murder of Mr. Grunow, he be sentenced to a term of 28 years in the Department of Corrections.
POTTER: Given the options, 28 years was a clear victory for Nathaniel Brazill and the defense team. They had expected much worse.
ROBERT UDELL, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Given where we are, given the fact that the judge previously ruled that he had to impose a 25-year sentence, given that the family and the state was asking for life, I'm thrilled. But I don't agree with it.
POTTER: The defense contends the sentence is still too harsh for a 14-year-old boy and plans to appeal the case. Brazill's parents say they are relieved by the outcome.
NATHANIEL BRAZILL SR., FATHER: In my opinion, the judge really considered all the testimony. He considered everything. A 28-year sentence is a lot less than we would have expected. We'll live with it. But it's not over.
POTTER: Brazill was convicted of second-degree murder. Members of the Grunow family, along with prosecutors, had recommended a life prison sentence. They were upset with the judge's decision.
KAY NICHOLS, BARRY GRUNOW'S SISTER: He sat in the same courtroom that we did. He saw the same tape that we did. As far as we're concerned, it's first-degree murder. And to only sentence him for 28 years is an insult to Barry's memory. POTTER: Prosecutor Marc Shiner says he hopes Nathaniel Brazill will be rehabilitated in prison. He was asked if he really thought it would happen.
MARC SHINER, PROSECUTOR: Like I said, I'm not going to gamble my paycheck on it. But I hope he does become a lot better person.
POTTER: After being evaluated at a prison processing center, Brazill will begin serving his sentence. The judge recommended he be placed in a facility for youthful offenders.
(on camera): With credit for time already served, Nathaniel Brazill will remain in prison until he's around 41 years old.
Mark Potter, CNN, West Palm Beach, Florida.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
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