VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) — A man who killed his ex-girlfriend on Valentine's Day 2017 was sentenced to life in prison on Monday.
Joseph Merlino was supposed to be sentenced on December 5, but the sentencing hearing was continued after he arrived in court and seemed extremely ill. Merlino was in a wheelchair and appeared to have seizure-like symptoms. He was seen choking and foaming at the mouth.
Joseph Merlino was found guilty of first-degree murder earlier this year. At trial, prosecutors showed he poisoned Ellie Tran, the mother of his young daughter, with cyanide.
A jury recommended the maximum sentence of life in prison and a $100,000 fine.
See Also: Joseph Merlino talks to 13News Now
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