Everett judge gives man 17 years for killing his sister

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — A 52-year-old man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for beating his sister until she died.

The Daily Herald reports that David Thorsen pleaded guilty to murder last month for the 2013 Arlington killing.

Thorsen is accused of repeatedly punching and kicking 53-year-old Karen Harris before hauling her body to a field behind a riding lawnmower.

He also lied to her son, who came looking for Harris when she didn't answer her phone, and drove his sister's cart to the store to buy alcohol.

Lawyers recommended a nearly 13-year sentence as part of the plea agreement, but Superior Court Judge Ellen Fair said she couldn't overlook some disturbing elements of the crime.

Thorsen's surviving sisters asked the judge not to show him any leniency.