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December 3, 2009

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Former airman gets life in child’s death

Friday, July 11, 2003 | 9:15 a.m.

The former Nellis airman convicted of killing his former girlfriend's child six years ago was sentenced to life in prison Thursday.

District Judge Valorie Vega sentenced Brandon Parish, 24, to life in prison for the beating death of 20-month-old Samantha Storm. He'll be eligible for parole in 20 years.

Parish, who appeared in court with his attorney, David Schieck, declined to address the court when asked by Vega. Deputy Special Public Defender Phil Kohn will handle Parish's appeal.

A jury two months ago convicted Parish of first-degree murder by child abuse. It was the second time Parish was convicted of the crime. He was convicted in 1998 but that conviction was overturned due to faulty jury instructions.

Samantha's mother Dawn Mathiasen is serving a six to 15-year prison sentence for ignoring police orders to keep the child away from Parish after prior allegations of abuse.

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