Simonovich Found Guilty (08/07/08)

An immigrant from Belarus gets 16-years in prison for the strangling death of his pregnant wife.
27-year-old Dmitry Simonovich admitted killing his wife, Inna, during an argument in their East Asheville apartment in July of 2007.
Jurors convicted Simonovich of second degree murder, after deadlocking on a first degree charge.
Judge James Downs sentenced Simonovich to the maximum allowed by law, then ordered he be deported after his time is served.
"Overall, given the fact that he faced first degree murder and life in prison with a mandory sentence of no parole, I think he's very fortunate and were happy with the results," said defense attorney David Belser.
Prosecutors would have prefered a first degree conviction.
"We didn't get the verdict we were asking for but we certainly respect the jury's opinion," said Assistant D.A. Rodney Hasty.
But he added, "The judge gave him the most time he could get with a second degree conviction.. and we are very happy with that."
One of Inna Simonovich's relatives told News 13 he wishes Simonovich would have gotten more jail time.
Simonovich Found Guilty (08/07/08)