A Brown County judge sentenced a Bloomington man Thursday to 80 years in prison for the murder of 22-year-old IU student Hannah Wilson. That's effectively a life sentence for the 52-year-old Daniel Messel.
A jury convicted Messel in August of murdering Wilson in April 2015.
Murder in Indiana carries a sentence of 45 to 65 years. But the jury went on to establish Messel as an habitual offender, since he was previously convicted of at least one other felony. That adds up to 20 years to his sentence.
The crime does not fit any of the "aggravating circumstances" required by Indiana law in order to seek the death penalty.
Although her family attended every day of the trial, Thursday's hearing was the first opportunity for them to address Messel.
Hannah's mom Robin Wilson says she's rehearsed what to say to Messel for the 17 months since Hannah's death.
"I think being able to say what I needed to say is what will help me move forward," she says.
Two years was knocked off the sentence for time served leading up to the trail, and Messel could get out up to 20 years early for good behavior.
Even then, 52-year-old Messel will serve a minimum of 58 years in prison.
Prosecutors believe Messel will choose to appeal the conviction.