Gardipee sentenced to life in prison

GREEN BAY - A Green Bay man has been sentenced to life in prison in the death of his girlfriend.

Richard Gardipee, 32, learned his punishment Friday afternoon in Brown County court.

Gardipee was convicted of stabbing to death Wendy Garcia, also known as Wendy Botsford, last June.

Gardipee will be eligible for parole from his life sentence in 42 years on the date of the victim's birthday.

"During that 42 year period of time the reason I impose the date so it sticks in your mind," said Brown County Judge Donald Zuidmulder. "Any hope will be a function of Wendy's birthday... never forgotten by you or anyone in this courtroom."

In court, Gardipee briefly apologized to the victim's family. And her family said they believe her child is also a victim.

"How do I speak for a 4-year-old who has lost his mother to your cruelty, never again will feel the warmth and love of a mother's hug," said Kent Botsford, Wendy's father.

• Click the play button on the video player to watch more of Kent Botsford's statement in court.

According to the criminal complaint, the stabbing followed a fist fight that followed an argument about Gardipee's use of painkillers.