(SIOUX CITY, IA) - 23-year-old James Kroll is accused of beating a man to death and injuring a woman. He made a plea deal last month and on Thursday, a judge handed down the maximum sentence.
James Kroll pleaded guilty to second degree murder and attempted murder just two weeks ago.
For second degree murder of 54-year-old Jeffery Moravek the judge gave him no more than 50 years. For attempted murder of 54-year-old Mary Tope, no more than 25 years. He has to serve those consecutively and at least 70 percent of that total before he's eligible for parole. That makes Kroll well into his 70's.
Four of Moravek's family members spoke before hearing the sentencing.
"Love is a verb: both active and passive, but the verb you chose is bludgeon. Bludgeon! That word alone makes me cringe. It is ugly and dark. It's a devastating word," said Ashley Moravek, Jeff's daughter.
She was describing the day her father Jeff Moravek was brutally murdered last June. Those are some of the last words James Kroll heard before he spends the next five decades in prison.
"He would help whoever needed him, including you, Mr. Kroll. All you had to do was ask," said Patty LaVoie, Jeff's sister.
"Personally I feel, very shattered by your actions. I'm not even... really a shadow of the person I was before this happened," said Allison Moravek, Jeff's other daughter.
"My love for my dad and his unconditional love for me will overcome my hatred for you. After all, we loved with the love that was more than love," said Ashley Moravek.
Kroll said he was suffering from the side effects of anti-depressants and K-2 synthetic drugs when he brutally beat the couple in their home.
The judge called the attack the most "violent and horrific crime he's seen in his career."
In the final moments of the hearing. James Kroll apologized directly to the suffering families.
"I won't ask for forgiveness 'cause it's not something you can just ask for," said Kroll. "I want to say again how truly sorry I felt to all families here and who are not here. You will always be in my prayers for as long as I live."
Kroll said he planned to commit suicide the night of the attack. The court ordered him to pay 150-thousand dollars in restitution to Moravek's family.
