The man convicted in the 2010 shooting deaths of three members of a Darien family was sentenced to life in prison Monday.
A judge sentenced Johnny Borizov Monday to three consecutive sentences of natural life in prison without the possibility of parole for his role in orchestrating the murders of Jeffrey, Lori and Michael Kramer. A DuPage County jury deliberated for fewer than three hours in May before convicting the Willow Springs man in the shooting deaths.
The judge denied several of the defense's points in a motion for a new trial Monday and eventually denied the motion entirely.
After the verdict family of Borizov said a "grave injustice was done" and alleged that much of what was said in court was false.
Prosecutors said Borizov's triple murder conviction mandated life in prison.
"Today, Mr. Borizov was sentenced to the maximum allowable sentence under the law, a sentence he richly deserves," DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin said in a statement. "This has been an extremely difficult case."
The mother of Jeffrey Kramer spoke emotionally after the sentencing, saying the Borizovs can still visit their son, but she must visit her son at his grave.
Borizov was engaged in a bitter custody fight with the Kramers' daughter when prosecutors said he manipulated Jacob Nodarse into killing the family.
Jurors convicted Borizov on three counts of murder and solicitation of murder of Angela Kramer, who escaped the rampage.
"Johnny Borizov thought only of himself," said Berlin. "He now faces mandatory life without parole, which is a sentence he justly deserves."
Prior to the reading of the verdict, one Kramer family member said, "I'm sick to my stomach." Once Borizov was convicted, another Kramer relative said, "It's over" before a number of those in the courtroom began sobbing and hugging.
Angela Kramer held on tight to her fiancé as her former boyfriend and the father of her child was led away.
By stark contrast, there was no emotion and no reaction from Borizov, his family members or his defense, though they did vow to appeal the jury's decision.
"We were surprised at how quickly the jury came to a verdict," attorney Richard Kling said. "There are technical evidentiary issues [that could be part of the appeal]."
