10/11/2010
Tifton – Stacey Bernad Sims, was convicted for the killing of 6 Hispanics during various home invasions in 2005 and was sentenced to a minimum of 80 years imprisonment.
District Attorney Paul Bowden, in a press release stated that it was on August 12 that Sims entered guilty pleas on 17 counts and his sentence was imposed on Thursday by Tift County Superior Court Judge Bill Reinhardt.
Sims pleaded guilty on 6 counts of murder, 4 counts of armed robbery, 3 counts of burglary, and 4 counts of aggravated assault in connection with the three separate home invasions that happened in Sept. 30, 2005.
For murder, Sims received 6 life sentences plus an additional 80 years for the 4 armed robbery, without any possibility for parole. He also received 140 years for the burglaries and aggravated assaults.
Bowden said that, “Judge Reinhardt’s sentence, which will require the defendant to remain imprisoned until beyond his 99th birthday, accomplishes these goals.” The goals referred to by Bowden is the resolution of a case that will afford the protection for society and punishment of the defendant.
Bowden also commended various law enforcement agencies who helped in the investigation of the crimes.
Another defendant in the same case, Jamie Underwood, was sentenced to 120 years of imprisonment in December 2008, without a chance for parole.
