Idaho Tattoo artist sentenced to life in prison

MOSCOW, Idaho (AP) -- A former tattoo artist convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy in the 2001 shooting death of a Moscow woman has been sentenced to life in prison. David Meister, 28, pleaded to have some freedom at the end of a long sentence, but 2nd District Court Judge Carl Kerrick imposed two-fixed life sentences on Friday. "You are before the court without remorse, and you are before the court without apology," said Kerrick, who could have set the fixed portion of Meister's sentence at 10 years. The Lewiston Tribune reported that Kerrick cited Meister's continued claim of innocence and his "utter disregard for human life." Kerrick also noted that Meister killed for money as a reason to deny a chance at early release. The case involves the point-blank shooting of Tonya Hart, 21, on Dec. 11, 2001. Meister was convicted of the killing in 2003 and sentenced to life in prison, but the Idaho Supreme Court in 2010 ordered a new trial. The second trial's jury convicted Meister of first-degree murder and conspiracy. In January, Kerrick rejected Meister's request for a third trial. At the sentencing hearing, Hart's mother, Debra Hart, talked about learning of her daughter's murder. "I lost it. I was devastated and shocked," she said, turning to Meister. "David Meister, you are a cold-blooded murderer. You thought nothing of her life. I think you are a slithering snake. I can only hope that you burn in hell." Meister reasserted his innocence at the hearing. "A terrible crime has been committed, and I have been found guilty of it," he said. "I know that I have many years ahead of me in prison, and I will face it as I fight for my rights and my liberty. There is no valid reason that I could not one day re-enter society as a productive member. Please, Judge, provide me with some life at the end of this." Published: Tue, Feb 21, 2012