In December of 2007,  we first heard the story of Heather Trujillo and Lamar Roberts. They were the boyfriend/girlfriend couple from Colorado who, after murdering Heather's three year old sister Zoe, claimed that they were imitating Mortal Kombat. Whether or not they were in fact copying moves they learned from the game was ultimately proven irrelevant, as they were tried as adults, and in December pled guilty to a host of felony child abuse charges, which carried sentences ranging from 16-48 years. On Friday they were sentenced.

Judge Marcelo Kopcow has sentenced Roberts to 36 years in prison, with another five years probation after that. Trujillo, who was 17 at the time of the crime, received 18 years, but has a chance to cut that sentence in half, if she completes a six year program for youthful offenders.

In the sentencing, the judge did not even make mention of video games, choosing instead to blame the guilty party:

"I’ve considered the fact that Mr. Roberts, I imagine, did not have the type of childhood he deserved or that most of us in this room have received, which is loving, drug-free and supportive childhood. With that said, Mr. Roberts is responsible for his actions."

In a statement before the court, Roberts assumed the blame:

"I do agree to get what I get. I'm not a monster, your honor. I'm truly sorry (for) what happened."

Clearly there is no happy ending here, however if there is a silver lining, it's that adults are stepping up to take responsibility for their actions, rather than continuing to blame media influnces.

[Source]

Related Articles:

"Mortal Kombat" Death Details

Ohio Teen Found Guilty of Killing Parents

California Congressman: Video Games Need Cigarette-Style Warning Labels