August 13, 2010 – Hilo, Hawaii
Video by Tim Bryan
Tyrone Vesperas was sentenced to life in prison for the stabbing of his estranged, pregnant wife and 14 year old son three years ago on Kamehameha Day. The incident resulted in the death of his son and the unborn fetus. Judge Glenn Hara made the decision on Thursday morning at the Hilo courthouse.
In May, Vesperas pleaded no contest to first-degree assault and second-degree attempted murder.
Vesperas, a Hawaii National Guard soldier, returned from Iraq in 2006. Cheryl-Lyn Saniatan, nine months pregnant and in the midst of a divorce from Vesperas, was stabbed in the stomach on June 11, 2007, after a family photo allegedly set Vesperas off. When 14 year old Tyran tried to stop his father, Vesperas stabbed his son in his neck. The results were fatal for both children, born and unborn.
Vesperas will likely have to serve 25 years before he’s eligible for parole.
Vesperas stood silently in court and made no statement during the proceeding, even after his duaghter Tysha addressed the court. Tysha asked the court to show mercy towards her father.
