COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A judge has sentenced two men to life in prison for killing a man outside a popular Cobb County restaurant.
Dylan Ledbetter and Demarious Greene shot and killed Anthony Welch outside Pappadeaux's on Windy Hill Road in 2016. The shooting was over a $5 necklace.
Welch's wife, Cynthia Welch, was injured in the shooting.
[READ: 2 convicted of killing man over costume jewelry during robbery at restaurant]
Welch cried inside court, but after the sentencing she told Channel 2's Audrey Washington that the defendants showed no remorse and that she's happy they're going away for a very long time.
With her son by her side, Welch wiped away tears and trembled at times when she spoke about her husband of 24 years.
“Anthony was my best friend, my confidant and the love of my life.” Welch said, addressing the court. “I ask that you will sentence these two criminals to the maximum sentence the law will allow for killing my husband.”
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Welch was one of three family members who delivered victim impact statements before the sentencing of Greene and Dylan.
Investigators say the pair tried to steal the $5 necklace around the neck of Cynthia Welch, and then started shooting at the victims.
[READ: Man killed, wife injured in shooting outside Pappadeaux restaurant]
In court Thursday, Ledbetter claimed innocence.
“I ain't had nothing to do with it. I had nothing to do with it,” Ledbetter said.
But the judge’s sentence came down hard and swift.
[READ: Woman says robber shot, killed her husband over $5]
“I’m sentencing Mr. Ledbetter to a sentence of life without the possibility of parole,” Cobb Superior Court Judge Ann Harris said. “I’m sentencing Mr. Greene to life with the possibility of parole.”
Outside of court, Washington caught up with Welch.
“It’s just a relief that justice was served, and they didn’t get away with it,” Welch said.
Cox Media Group
