Crime & Safety

Groton Man Sentenced to 28 Years in Jail For Killing Girlfriend

Luis Otero killed his girlfriend and then stuffed her body in a freezer.

Today, Judge Patrick Clifford sentenced 52-year-old Luis Otero of Groton to 28 ½ years in prison after Otero plead Nolo Contendere to a charge of murder.

In March of 2010, Otero killed his live-in girlfriend Madeline Brisson and then stuffed her body in a freezer. He later called police, telling them that they could find her body in the freezer after saying he put it there.

A person convicted of first-degree murder can be sentenced to up to 60 years in prison, although there was some worry that the state would have trouble proving the exact cause of death, despite a report from the medical examiner saying that Brisson died of blunt force trauma and asphyxiation, according to Clifford. So the prosecution decided to make a “compromise” to Otero, which he took.

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“This is a compromise,” Clifford said, who said his “heart certainly goes out to (Brisson family).”

The Sentencing

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Otero appeared in court with his lawyer, Bruce Sturman, with Brisson’s family watching on. Members of Brisson’s family cried throughout the sentencing, with one woman calling Otero a “creep” when he left the courtroom.

Otero has been serving time in prison already after he failed to post $2 million bond, and will serve at least 25 years in prison total for the crime, with a maximum of 28 ½ years. Brisson’s family submitted letters to the court asking for a stiff penalty after they said they are still haunted by Brisson’s death, according to Clifford.

Clifford said no number aside from life in prison would likely satisfy the family, although he said this sentence could wind up being one, with Otero not set to be released until he is in his mid-70s. He said if the case goes to trial, there is a chance of a lesser sentence if Otero is only convicted of first-degree manslaughter, which carries a 20-year maximum sentence.

Otero refused his opportunity to speak during the sentencing. He showed no emotion.

Otero was previously convicted of a domestic dispute in 1995 and spent a year in prison. According to truecrimereport.com, Otero said he killed Brisson in a drunken rage after he found out she cheated on him with a woman.  


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