An Ooltewah man was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in prison for the murder of his son-in-law.
Glen Donaldson, 57, will have to serve the time at 100 percent under state law.
A jury on May 25 found him guilty of second-degree murder in the Dec. 29, 2016, slaying of 39-year-old Adam Levi.
Judge Don Poole called it "a sad, sad case," but he said the evidence showed the victim was washing dishes and was unarmed when he was shot at a distance of 3-4 inches.
The sentencing range was 15-25 years. It was capped at 25 because he had no prior criminal charges.
Donaldson had told the jury that Levi pulled a knife on him after he "pushed his buttons" over the death of his still-born child. The defense said drug use by Levi had led to a divorce from Donaldson's daughter, Amanda.
Susan Levi, the victim's mother, said, "It's just been the worst thing in the world that has happened to us. He took away Adam, who was so dear and sweet to us."
She said her son entertained other children with his magic tricks when he was growing up and by the time he was in middle school he was reading encyclopedias to gain more knowledge. She said he was especially interested in astronomy.
Ms. Levi said his daughter Olivia "was the whole world to him. She would light up when she saw her daddy. She asks why she never gets to see him."
She said Donaldson "never gave a thought to the many lives he was destroying that night. He has shown no remorse and neither has any of his family."
Ms. Levi said he "betrayed Adam. He thought he (Donaldson) was his friend. He is truly an evil man. He took the light and life of all our family and friends."
Harold Donaldson, the defendant's father, said, "I have never seen him being the aggressor in my life. He has been a son I've been proud of."
He added, "How this happened, I don't understand myself."
Mr. Donaldson, who had a career in law enforcement, said Glen and Adam had a good relationship as far as he knew.
The defendant's brother, Jerry Donaldson, said, "I've never heard anyone say a bad word about my brother. I don't think this one act should ruin the rest of his life."
He stated, "If he hadn't feared for his life, I don't think this would have happened."
Glen Donaldson