DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio man convicted on a murder charge in his mother's death has been sentenced to life in prison but plans to appeal his case.
Fifty-five-year-old John Mukes, of Dayton, was sentenced this week after a jury found him guilty of murder and felonious assault charges.
Authorities say he called 911 in July 2016 to report that his 78-year-old mother, Mary Hinesmon, had been beaten and strangled at home. Investigators saw no sign of forced entry but found DNA linking Mukes to the slaying.
Defense attorney Ben Swift calls the jury's verdict disappointing and contends prosecutors didn't present sufficient evidence that Mukes harmed his mother. Swift says Mukes plans to appeal.
Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. says Mukes will be eligible for possible parole after 15 years.
