NORWICH – Convicted killer Jeremy Coates was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Friday, and a key witness for the prosecution, Melissa Crispell, received the minimum sentence of 15 years in prison for her involvement in the crime.
Coates was convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and two counts of first-degree robbery for his role in the murder of 58 year-old veteran, David Green.
Green was murdered in his Oxford home on September 23, 2016 by Coates, striking him in the head with a weapon.
Crispell pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery on May 12, 2017 as part of a plea deal.
Throughout the proceedings, Coates denied his guilt in the murder, and interrupted Chenango County Court Judge Frank Revoir Jr., to plead his case during his final appearance for sentencing.
“I feel that I didn’t get a fair trial,” said Coates. “I didn’t do it.”
A niece of the victim attended the sentencing, and was given the opportunity to speak in court.
“I hope every time Mr. Coates closes his eyes he hears the cries of my uncle for the 25 minutes he beat him,” she said. “[Green] would have given them anything if they asked for it, even the shirt off of his back.”