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Man sentenced to life in death of ex-girlfriend

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County judge convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend will spend the rest of his life in prison, instead of facing the death penalty.

The state wanted the death penalty against Kristofer Gould, but an Judge Alan Apte ruled Thursday against it because of a new state law.

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Gould did not say a word to the judge before he handed down the consecutive life sentences.

Investigators said he killed Jorgete Acarie, the mother of his 2-year-old son, in August 2012. Gould shot her while she slept in her home in the Dr. Phillips area, investigators said.

The prosecutor said Acarie’s son witnessed the crime and has already undergone years of therapy. The prosecutor read a statement on behalf of the victim’s sister:

“Jorgete's life was important. Her children and grandchildren should know that they can live without having to come face-to-face with the coward who murdered their mother.”

Acarie's sister told Channel 9's Angela Jacobs that she's happy to represent family members back in Brazil in seeing justice served.

“It was a very, very tough four years waiting for this day, and the state did a brilliant job. I'm very thankful for that,” said Viviane Acarie.

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