The gunman who murdered former Washington Redskins’ standout Sean Taylor in 2007, has been sentenced to more than 57 years in prison.
Eric Rivera, Jr., 23, was convicted in Miami-Dade circuit court on charges of second-degree murder and armed burglary back in November. He was facing a life sentence for his crimes.
Rivera confessed to the police that he shot Taylor after he and four other men broke into the NFL player’s house in an attempt to steal cash. Rivera pulled the trigger after Taylor confronted the men and tried to defend himself with a machete, according to the Sporting News.
According to the Miami Herald, Rivera gave a brief statement that displayed some remorse.
“I’m going to have to live with the consequences and I’m truly sorry for your loss ... I'm sorry,” he said.
Sean Taylor was an All-Pro safety for the Washington Redskins for nearly four years before his life was taken. Selected in the first-round of the NFL draft, Taylor was revered for his athleticism and ferocious hits.
Three of the other men involved in the murder will stand trial at a later date.
image: Wikimedia Commons
