Weldon sentenced to life in prison

Tonch Weldon was sentenced to life in prison without parole Monday for shooting and killing his wife's girlfriend Amy Gephart in his home June 7, 2009.

Weldon, 39, of Marengo, didn't make a statement to the court before being sentenced. The sentence for first-degree murder is mandatory, so the attorneys didn't make any arguments.

Edward Leff, Weldon's attorney, made a motion for a new trial based on an intoxication defense and testimony from a forensic toxicologist that had been limited based on his area of expertise.

Sixth Judicial District Douglas Russell denied the motion.

Weldon shed some tears but remained calm during the sentencing. His mother started sobbing when the judge pronounced the life sentence.

Weldon's wife Amanda had some tears before the hearing started. She was supported by her family.

Gephart's parents attended the hearing but chose not make victim impact statements.

Weldon shot Gephart in the heart with a 20-gauge shotgun before turning it on himself because he found out his wife was leaving him for Gephart, according to trial testimony.

Amanda Weldon testified she and her husband had an open marriage. They were in a sexual relationship with Gephart, who lived with them, but the women fell in love with each other and decided to leave him.

The defense during trial argued it was a “crime of passion,” not a premeditated act.

The jury deliberated nearly five days following the week-long trial.

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