NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) A former nurse convicted of killing her husband then tossing his dismembered remains into the Chesapeake Bay, was sentenced yesterday to life in prison.
Melanie McGuire, 34, was convicted in April of killing her husband, William McGuire, 39, whose body washed up in May 2004 in the couple’s three Kenneth Cole suitcases. In addition, she was found guilty of desecrating human remains, a gun charge and perjury.
In handing down the sentence Judge Frederick DeVesa called the crime “depraved” as McGuire, sitting in a green shirt with her hands handcuffed in front of her, sat quietly and cried.
“The depravity of this murder simply shocks the conscience of this court,” Judge DeVesa said. “The desecration of William McGuire’s remains was particularly heinous and depraved. His body was treated as trash.”
During the trial, prosecutors said McGuire wanted her husband out of the way to start a new life with her lover her boss at a Morristown fertility clinic.
The defense argued that McGuire had been abused by her husband and was intending to leave him. They said her husband had racked up gambling debts which could have led to his death.
McGuire has steadfastly maintained her innocence and plans to appeal.
Judge DeVesa sentenced McGuire to the maximum sentence on all counts. She will serve life in prison and will be eligible for parole after 63 years.
“The record in this case also reveals that she has been a ruthless, calculating individual,” Judge DeVesa said.
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