HAVERHILL, N.H. (AP) – A man who pleaded guilty to strangling an 89-year-old World War II veteran told his victim’s family that drugs and alcohol explain but do not excuse his actions.

Cary Indelicato, 39, of Benton, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison Friday as part of a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to second degree murder in the Jan. 27, 2007, death of Albert Powell.

At the hearing, Indelicato too upset to read his statement in court Friday, so his lawyer read it for him. In his statement, Indelicato said he was horrified and ashamed at what he had done and expressed hope that he would be forgiven by both his victim’s family and his own.

but Powell’s son, Ron, said he could not forgive the man whom prosecutors said savagely beat and strangled his father.

“I do pity anyone whose life has been ravaged by drugs,” Powell said. “We will never forget what you have done to us. I hope you can find a way to do some good in what seems like a sorry and miserable life so far.”

Prosecutors say Indelicato murdered Powell to obtain money to buy drugs. Assistant Attorney General Susan Morrell said Indelicato started drinking early the morning of the killing and at one point told a friend that “nothing was going right” and that he should “just kill himself.”

Later, he walked to Powell’s house and asked to use the phone. Prosecutors said after killing Powell, Indelicato stole a $350 check, cashed it and used the money to buy cocaine. After Powell’s body was discovered two days later, Indelicato told relatives that he had been at Powell’s home but couldn’t remember what happened.

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Information from: New Hampshire Union Leader, http://www.unionleader.com

AP-ES-02-16-08 1122EST

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