A man who shot and killed his mother in December 2022 will spend the rest of his life behind bars after he was convicted of first-degree murder Wednesday morning.
Less than two hours after a jury delivered the guilty verdict against Andrew Sweatt, 28, Weld District Judge Vincente Vigil sentenced him to life in prison without parole — the only sentence available for the crime in Colorado.
“Mr. Sweatt, we are here today because of the consequences of your actions,” Vigil said. “Nothing more than that.”
Sweatt’s attorney, Patrick Walsh, said the defense is planning to appeal the first-degree murder conviction.
Sweatt’s case dates back to Dec. 8, 2022, when police say he called the Weld County Regional Communications Center to report he had shot his mother, 50-year-old Angela Eyestone, at a home in the 900 block of 4th Street in Greeley.
When police arrived, Sweatt again admitted that he shot Eyestone — once in the head and once in the chest — with a handgun he had recently purchased from a ranch supply store, according to police records.
Officers found Eyestone with multiple gunshot wounds sitting upright on a couch inside the home. She was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Sweatt’s case — along with many others — hit delays in February 2024, when a ransomware attack on the state public defender’s office left attorneys unable to access case files.
Wednesday’s sentencing started with friends and family of Eyestone remembering the beautiful person she was and the legacy she left.
“Life wasn’t always good to her, but she was always good to life,” a friend of Eyestone said. “She was a beautiful soul. If forgiveness was to be given in this circumstance, it would be from her.”
Her son Spencer Sweatt shared his disdain for his brother’s actions, telling Andrew how the shooting left him not only without a mother but also without a brother.
“Andrew is no longer the person I once knew,” Spencer said. “He ruined a significant part of my life. I went from having family to basically nothing. She will never see her son get married. Never see her future grandkids. It brings me peace that this verdict was delivered.”
Since there was no question in what sentence would be handed down, statements from both attorneys were brief.
“There are absolutely no winners here today, judge,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Pirraglia said. “It was a senseless act, a cold killing with callous attitude that did not need to occur.”
Sweatt made no comments, with Walsh citing the upcoming appeal as the reason for his silence.
Vigil closed by expressing his empathy first and foremost toward Eyestone’s friends and family — but also to Sweatt himself.
“I genuinely hope as you move through the remainder of your life,” Vigil said. “In whatever way capable, I hope you gain some peace.”
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Greeley man who fatally shot mother gets life sentence after conviction of first-degree murder )
Also on site :