Watch CBS News

Man Convicted In 1996 Rape, Slaying Sentenced To Life

KALKASKA (AP) - A 37-year-old man who was convicted in the 1996 rape and slaying of a northern Michigan woman has been sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Jason Ryan's punishment was handed down earlier this week in a Kalkaska County courtroom. His lawyer says an appeal is planned.

A jury last month found the Davison man guilty of murder and criminal sexual conduct in the death of 68-year-old Geraldine Montgomery, whose body was found in the trunk of her car. A judge had declared a mistrial in December following his first trial.

Jamie Peterson was convicted of the crimes in 1998 and sentenced to life without parole. He was released in 2014 after DNA tests showed he didn't attack Montgomery.

Prosecutors say the new DNA tests placed Ryan at the crime scene.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.