George Huguely Sentenced To 23 Years For Murder Of Yeardley Love

Former University of Virginia lacrosse player George Huguely, 24, sentenced to 23 years in prison by a Virginia judge for the murder of his on-again, off-again girlfriend and UVA women’s lacrosse player, Yeardley Love when she was just 22. The crime occurred at Love’s apartment off-campus in 2010 when the two had an argument that resulted in Huguely beating Love to death.



Huguely, of Chevy Chase, Md., was convicted of second-degree murder in February and slated to face up to 26 years in prison, however his sentenced was reduced. Huguely’s lawyers attempted to reduce his sentence further, to 14 years, by appealing with testimonials from Huguely’s mother and grandmother, among many others, who vouched for his high character. Huguely says he never intended to kill Love.



According to the sentencing memo for Huguely: “Despite his immaturity at the time of the offenses and his heavy use of alcohol, his background demonstrates that he is capable of being rehabilitated and integrated into society.”



Huguely faces a long road ahead, as Virginia does not offer inmates parole and the most an inmate can reduce a sentence by is 15 percent through good behavior and participation in prison programs.



Love’s mother, Sharon, has filed two civil suits, one against Huguely, and one against the university and the athletic department for not stepping in sooner to prevent the altercation as Huguely had demonstrated a dangerous past; he had been arrested in Lexington, Va., while intoxicated and the arresting officer was forced to use a taser to detain Huguely.



Love grew up in Gockeysville, Md., and attended Notre Dame Prep, in Towson, Md. The school will dedicate a $1.2-million turf field on September 9 in her honor. Love is survived by her mother, Sharon, and her sister, Lexie. —Hal Sundt