December 14, 2009

A Louisa County man convicted of killing a Charlottesville teenager was sentenced to 22 years behind bars for a second degree murder conviction.

The Judge read Dove's sentencing during a hearing in the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse Monday afternoon.

Dove was convicted earlier this year, of killing 17-year-old Emilio Morales. It happened during an attempted robbery at the Autumn Hill Apartment Complex, formerly known as the Trophy Chase Apartments in September of 2008.

Dove, who was facing anywhere between 16 and 27 years, was sentenced to 45 years, but the judge reduced his sentence to 22 years in prison.

At one point during today's hearing, the defense argued that Morales was not so innocent. Dove's attorney, David Baugh claimed there was drug dealing going on in the house. But police testimony squelched that argument by denying any drug activity or investigations at the home.