Drifter gets 25 years for ‘08 strangulation

A panhandler who murdered a woman in a dispute over $20 was sentenced today to 25 years in prison.

Michael A. Quinones, 29, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for the Oct. 6, 2008, strangulation death of 28-year-old Jennifer L. Siria.

“This was not a planned thing,” Quinones said. “Frankly, I don’t remember half of it. I’m not a brutal savage. This just got out of hand that night. I’m sorry it occurred.”

Another defendant, 19-year-old Matthew T. Shope, is expected to be sentenced for the murder soon.

Read Tom Clouse’s story here.

Past coverage:

Panhandler sought in woman’s killing

Second suspect charged in murder

Police: Accused killer wrote rape suspect’s alleged victim/a>