PALATKA, Fla. – A former Interlachen police officer was sententenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars for the murder of his wife last August.
Judge Nichols sentenced Timothy Alessi, 42, to life without parole for the murder of his wife, Pollyanna. Alessi was also sentenced to 30 years for the attempted murder of his brother-in-law and 30 years for armed burglary.
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Before the sentence was pronounced, Alessi's family members pleaded with the judge for leniency. They still believe Alessi fired his gun in self-defense.
"We loved Polly very much. This was a tragic accident. We know that Tim never meant to hurt anybod," said Dan Alessi, the convicted man's brother.
Alessi was a 10-year police veteran and was off-duty at the time of the alleged shooting. Polly Alessi had filed for divorce and a restraining order against her husband the same month she was shot. She lifted the restraining order about a week before she was killed.
Four children, including the Alessis' son, were present when the murder occurred.
Alessi's attorneys said an appeal will be filed.
Previous Stories:
- August 14, 2002: Former Interlachen Cop Guilty Of Murder
- August 5, 2002: Opening Arguments To Be Tuesday In Alessi Trial
- August 31, 2001: Neighbors: Interlachen Officer Stalked Ex-Wife