DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. — A man will spend the rest of his life in prison following his conviction on murder charges in the death of a woman rammed by a vehicle in Georgia.
Dewey Green was sentenced Monday to life without parole plus 40 years.
The 24-year-old native of Pelham, Alabama, was found guilty of murder Friday in the death of 53-year-old Janice Pitts in Douglasville.
Green maintained his innocence in a plea prior to sentencing. He said the victim’s death was unintentional, that he suffered a head injury and seizure and lost control of his truck.
“I understand my apologies may seem petty in comparison to anguish you have toward me, but I am not the person what police and the media have portray. Believe when I say I value life and family, I wouldn't never kill anyone on purpose,” Green said.
Pitts’ daughters became very emotional when they addressed the man convicted of murdering their mother.
”I lost my best friend, my mentor, my motivator. I will never forget the image of seeing my mother's lifeless body hit the pavement on the ground, and see life leave her body,” said Pitt’s daughter Iesha Davis. "I have no remorse for Dewey Green like he had no remorse for my mother."
The district attorney's office called the sentencing "just" -- saying it was not an easy case.
During the proceedings on Friday, Green made an outburst saying, "I'm not f------ guilty," and was forcefully removed from the courtroom after hearing the verdict. Prior to his sentencing Monday, he apologized to the judge for that outburst.
Authorities say a vehicle driven by Green struck Pitts' SUV from behind, then pinned her when she got out to look at the damage. She was then run over when the vehicle pulled away in June 2014.
The defense says Green suffered a seizure before the crash.
The victim’s family hugged and sobbed in court as the guilty verdicts were announced.
“Justice for Janice,” said Pitts’ daughter.
Green’s family says the trial was unfair all around.
“They disallowed some of the best evidence that proved my son hit his head, had a concussion, and that was that. He requested he be given a polygraph test,” Green’s father said.
Green’s attorney said another lawyer is taking over the case and will file a motion for a new trial.