18-year sentence in UConn stabbing

VERNON, Conn. (WTNH) - A man who stabbed University of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard to death in 2009 made a tearful plea to the judge before he was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

John Lomax III, 22, of Bloomfield, appeared Friday morning in Rockville Superior Court. He pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of first-degree manslaughter in January and could have received up to 20 years in prison.

"The reason he plead to this is to spare his family, and because they could not afford a trial," said a Lomax family spokeswoman.

Lomax's attorney denied that and said it was fair deal.

"If he could take this back he would because he feels for the family, he feels for his family and he's generally sorry and remorseful and is prepared to accept the penalty that was handed down to him," said Atty. Darren Freeman.

Lomax sobbed while telling Howard's family that he knows they despise him. "I know it hurts, I know you're suffering," he cried.

Authorities say Lomax, who had been charged with murder, stabbed the 20-year-old defensive back in the abdomen during a fight between a group of football players and a group that included Lomax. Investigators believe the fight started over a comment a player made about a woman.

Howard's father also spoke to the court saying Lomax took the joy from his life. Howard's mother, who for a time was too distraught to speak, eventually tearingly told the judge her son had, "no chance to see his baby born. To touch his baby or say I love you. All that taken away from my family, why, for what reason?"

Eight of Howard's teammates came to court and two told the judge how much they will always miss his leadership and friendship. A letter from former Coach Randy Edsall was also read in court. He called it a day that changed his life forever and that anyone who came in contact with Jasper Howard was better for it.

Cases remain pending against seven other men charged in connection with the fight. No football players were arrested.