By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The man who murdered a Roman Catholic nun in Buffalo was sentenced to the maximum of 25 years to life in prison.
37 year old Craig Lynch was convicted of killing Sister Karen Klimczak last year on Good Friday. He appeared in an Erie County Courtroom Tuesday.
Erie County court judge Sheila DiTullio allowed cameras in the courtroom saying the public had the right to know and see the sentencing of Craig Lynch. Sister Karen worked with parolees at the Bissonette House in Buffalo where Lynch was living.
Sister Jean Klimczak, her sister, read from Sister Karen's journal. She recited an entry that was written back in 1991. Sister Karen wrote about a revelation she experienced. In that journal she wrote that she might "endure violence". But as also offered a note of forgiveness.
The prosecutor asked for the maximum sentence and noted that Lynch had a criminal record and referred to him as a three time felon.
The judge asked Lynch if he wanted to apology to Sister Karen's family.
"Of course I am sorry and words can not describe how I feel," said Lynch.
Lynch received the maximum sentence for second degree murder, 25 years to life. He was also sentenced to 25 years for manslaughter and 15 years for burglary. Upon imposing sentence Judge DiTullio told Lynch that he killed an "exceptional person".
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