Man Who Killed Cop By Shoving Him Off Balcony Gets 28.5 Years To Life
May 23, 2012, 2:42 p.m.
"It's been 14 months and yet it still feels like it was yesterday. The pain and sorrow hasn't lessened. I have just learned to cope with it better."
Left: Officer Alain Schaberger; Right: George Villanueva
A man who pushed a police officer to his death off a 9-foot balcony last year was sentenced to 28.5 years to life in prison today. "The fact of the matter is I didn't push your son, all right?" George Villanueva told the parents of decorated Officer Alain Schaberger in court. According to the Daily News, Villanueva added, "Do the math. I'm not going to turn a simple domestic thing with my girlfriend into a murder case. My deepest condolences go out to you guys."
In March of last year, 42-year-old Schaberger responded to a domestic violence call in Boerum Hill. Officer Schaberger found Villanueva at his father's house, and a struggle ensued. Villanueva, who reportedly drank a dozen beers before the incident and needed to be Tasered twice, pushed Schaberger off the balcony and onto the concrete, where he landed on his neck.
Villaneuva was convicted earlier this month and, today, Schaberger's father asked the judge for "justice, a full measure of justice," for the first-degree manslaughter conviction. Schaberger's sister Tracey Wagner said, "It's been 14 months and yet it still feels like it was yesterday. The pain and sorrow hasn't lessened. I have just learned to cope with it better."
