Sentencing for man convicted of killing stepdaughter - 14 News, WFIE, Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro

Ryan Shelby has learned how long he'll spend behind bars for the murder of his stepdaughter, 15-year-old Alexis Oesterle. Alexis' body was found behind a shed in the backyard of her Rockport home in November 2009.

He has been given 55 years (of a possible  45 to 65 year sentence) on the murder count; 1.5 years on the obstruction of justice charge; 1 year each for two counts of false informing; and 960 days of time-served credit.

Before the judge handed down his decision, family and friends of both Ryan Shelby and Alexis Oesterle spoke before the court.

The defense first questioning seven people, including Shelby's father and his former pastor. They answered questions about his eagle scout project, his intelligence, and his popularity, saying Ryan had many friends and was even elected homecoming king in high school.

Then, a turn came for Alexis' friends and family to speak about the impact of her death. Two friends cried as they spoke about Alexis. One of them describing her as "a beautiful, loving caring person".

Another friend said Alexis could put a smile on her face and she told the court she'd named her daughter after her friend.

Then Alexis' mother, Jessica Oesterle, who was questioned at length during the four-week long trial, read her statement often looking directly at Shelby while speaking.

She said in part, "November 2, 2009 has changed my life forever" and "you will never be able to comprehend every beautiful memory I have of Alexis is destroyed. Your senseless actions destroyed her life before it ever really started."

Before she stepped down, Jessica Oesterle made one request of the judge, which was to order Shelby to keep a picture of his stepdaughter on his cell wall.

"She's not just dealing with the loss of her daughter, but also a betrayal of someone who is supposed to care for the family and take care of the family," said Kelly Corne, Spencer County Prosecuting Attorney. "She wanted him to be reminded every day of what Alexis looks like and who she was and what he took from them and what he took from Lexi."

The judge did credit the sentence with the 960 days already served. Shelby's attorney does plan to appeal. His verdict came after a four-week long trial.