2 get life terms in death of aspiring Harrisburg rapper

Dauphin County

2 get life terms in death of aspiring Harrisburg rapper

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - One of two men sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole in the slaying of an aspiring rapper from central Pennsylvania almost a year ago is vowing an appeal.

A Dauphin County jury in September convicted both 28-year-old Brandon Ruiz and 33-year-old Clarence Bender of second-degree murder in the December robbery slaying of Victor Pearson.

The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News (http://bit.ly/XfrAcE ) says Ruiz said nothing before he was sentenced Monday, but Bender said he was "at the wrong place at the wrong time," called his trial a sham and unsuccessfully asked the judge to overturn the verdict.

Prosecutors say they believe Pearson was targeted in part because of online rap videos in which he flashed a lot of cash.

Relatives of the victim applauded loudly after Bender was sentenced.

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2 get life terms in death of aspiring Harrisburg rapper - abc27 WHTM

2 get life terms in death of aspiring Harrisburg rapper

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