(Cleveland) - Timothy Halton Jr. pleaded guilty to aggravated murder in the killing of Cleveland Heights Police officer Jason West. The admission of guilt came in a plea deal, keeping Halton off death row.


Timothy Halton Jr. cuffed at sentencing.

Judge Ronald Suster sentenced Halton to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Wearing a black suit, Halton stood and listened to the judge as he was sentenced, and said very little while the defense and prosecution made their statements.

His lawyers explained that Halton is a paranoid schizophrenic with a long history of mental problems, contending that the defendant did not fully realize what he had done, and was repentant.

Initially Halton pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but was ruled competent to stand trial.


West family members and friends listen in court.

West family members sobbed as friend and attorney Jeanett Link described the impact of the officer's death on their lives. Link indicated that the family had wanted the death penalty, but would settle for life in prison without parole.

In 2007, Officer West was shot and killed as he stepped out of his cruiser, while responding to a street fight on Altamont Avenue. (Copyright 2009 Clear Channel, all rights reserved.)