Wayland Murder Trial Live Blog: Fujita Sentenced to Life Without Possibility of Parole

Editor's Note: Wayland Patch will post regular updates from the courtroom at Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn. The most recent updates will be at the top of the story with a time stamp. For more about this case and trial, see "Wayland Murder: Nathaniel Fujita Trial."

12:29 p.m. -- Judge Peter Lauriat said he has received three victims' statements: Malcolm Astley, Mary Dunne and Roy Astley.

Malcolm Astley is now speaking to the court.

"I want to thank the court ... for diligence toward justice in this situation," Astley began.

"We need to acknowledge the death, the absence and the taking of life of Lauren Astley," her father said. "We need to acknowledge all the pain, fear and distrust that resulted from the loss of her life ... it has to be marked with significant consequences for the agent of pain."

He continued, "We need to expand our efforts to understand what led to ... the act."

Astley called for actions in the future to prevent violence against women.

Astley then noted that Fujita's actions have had far-reaching affects, including "The loss of Nate as I and [Lauren Astley] thought we knew him ... the challenges his family members now face."

Astley pointed out that these things were caused by Fujita, but "That does not mean there was not pain in Nate that needed to be attended to," Astley said.

"There is much he could do for all of us," Astley continued.

Astley asked that he acknowledge what he did, "apologize for it deeply and repeatedly," give back to and contribute to communities to make reparations for the damage he did, dig into himself deeply to understand what happened and work to prevent violence in the future.

"If he has the courage and will to pursue this path of his own design, it would be a notable atonement," Astley said. "I hope he will keep in mind what each of us has lost.

"He has quite a gift to give if he does this hard and probably very painful work and shares it with the community so we can all understand it better.

"Make this effort in Lauren's spirit."

Mary Dunne, Astley's mother, then offered a statement.

"But never again will I be called mom or mommy or mother," Dunne said. "What I treasured most about her was her uncanny ability to draw people into her circle."

Dunne said she misses Astley's voice "desperately."

"Shock and grief and disorintation and longing" are part ofher daily life.

"As a divorced woman with no children, I face dying alone and that is scary," Dunne said. "The image of her last excruciating minutes on earth will not leave me ever.

"Lauren does not have the privilege of reentering the world and it seems fair that Nathaniel would not either," Dunne finished.

McGovern recommended the following sentences:

- assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (ligature) -- 10 years in a state prison (the maximum for that offense)

- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (knife or other sharp force instrument) -- 10 years in a state prison

- Assault and battery -- 2.5 years is recommended, the maximum for that offense.

"There is a tenant in society ... 'Don't judge one another.' But I request ... it is made clear that Nathaniel Fujita has been judged. He's had the benefit of a fair trial," McGovern said. "The result of that process is that he is held responsibile for the murder of Lauren Dunne Astley."

Life without parole is a "meaningful and just and appropriate sentence."

McGovern said that this sentence would serve as a deterrant to the people of Massachusetts, showing that there are severe consequences for acting out in rage.

Sullivan waived his arguments in regards to sentencing since count 1, murder in the first-degree, carries a mandatory sentence of life without parole.

"This is a sad and tragic case," Lauriat said. "Many lives have been forever altered."

"Life in prison without the possibility without parole," Lauriat then ruled, going on to accept the suggested sentences of the Commonwealth for the other charges.

Fujita stood and looked at Assistant Clerk Mark Toomey as the clerk read the sentences.

With that, he was led away. Press conferences are coming now.

12:06 p.m. -- Everyone is back in the courtroom and awaiting sentencing.

Fujita just entered for the sentencing. It's silent in the courtroom.

10:39 a.m. -- The Fujita family is seen crying on the front row of the court room. Malcolm Astley embraced the Fujita family as he was leaving court.

Prosecutor Lisa McGovern hugged Malcolm Astley and Mary Dunne as she was walking out.

10:31 a.m. -- Jury finds the defendant guilty of first-degree murder with deliberate premeditation and extreme atrocity and cruelty.

Jury went on to find him guilty of two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

They found him guilty of assault and battery as well.

Guilty on all four counts.

Sentencing is scheduled for noon today.

10:25 a.m. -- We've been called into the courtroom. Apparently, the jury has a verdict.