The Morning News: News : Sanders guilty of murder

Sanders guilty of murder

Jury recommends 25 years in prison

Last updated Monday, October 16, 2006 10:07 PM CDT in News

By Ron Wood

THE MORNING NEWS * RWOOD@NWAONLINE.NET

FAYETTEVILLE -- Brandon Sanders was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison Monday for killing April Love last year.

Sanders, 21, of Nashville was accused of killing Love, a popular University of Arkansas student, in September 2005.

The jury took about eight hours Monday to find Sanders guilty of first-degree murder. The defense had asked for a lesser charge.

The jury deliberated well into the evening before returning the sentencing recommendation. Washington County Circuit Judge William Storey sentenced Sanders immediately.

An appeal is planned, according to Sanders' attorney.

Murder in the first degree is punishable by 10 to 40 years or life in prison. It also carries a 70 percent requirement. Sanders will have to serve 70 percent of his sentence before being eligible to apply for parole. He will get credit for more than a year served in the Washington County jail awaiting trial.

Love, a junior from Hope, was a rising star at the University of Arkansas, majoring in political science with a minor in African-American studies. She interned at the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington the summer before her death.

She was president of the Diversity Alliance, a vice president of the Young Democrats, a student senator for two years and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

"She was just a special child. We've all been robbed. Not only were we as a family robbed of a very special person, we as a society were robbed of a very special person," said Ira Love, April's father, during the sentencing phase of the trial.

"There is not a day, there is not an hour I do not think about April," Magigore Love, April's mother. "She was a blessed child."

Love died from "asphyxiation by undetermined means," according to an autopsy report.

Prosecutors said Sanders killed Love, hid the body then sent her father a "Hey Daddy!" e-mail so the body wouldn't be found before he could get away.

"That is cold. That is calculated. That is purposeful," prosecutor Mieka Hatcher told jurors during her closing argument Monday. "This case is all about the destruction of evidence and the defendant covering his tracks."

The defense argued that Love died during a sex act gone bad and Sanders then panicked.

A state medical examiner testified Friday that asphyxiation isn't a quick way to die. A person will pass out quickly when the air is cut off; but, unless pressure continues to be exerted for another three to four minutes, the person will wake up.

Scratch marks on Love's arms were testimony to how Love died, Hatcher said.

"Those are not the marks of somebody having a good time," Hatcher said. "That's the mark of someone that wants to live."

Hatcher said there were signs of a struggle in Love's car, blood on both front seats and the rearview mirror ripped off.

Love's body was found about four days after that in her Fayetteville apartment wrapped in sheets like a mummy and so decomposed the medical examiner had to use dental records to identify her.

Then there were the missing items: Her cell phone, wallet and keys were found at Sanders' home in Nashville when he was arrested. Rubber gloves from the apartment sink, pillow cases and Love's clothes were never found.

"According to the defendant, every witness who testified lied and he's telling you the truth," Hatcher said.

She specifically cited Ryan Morbley, Sander's best friend, who told jurors Sanders admitted choking Love to death after the two fought.

The defense contended Sanders panicked because he didn't think it possible to explain the situation to police.

"He could never have explained this, not in a million years," Q. Byrum Hurst told jurors. "What this case is about is what happened afterward."

Hurst asked the jury to acquit or convict of a lesser charge of second-degree murder, manslaughter or negligent homicide.

"This was not murder, this was a terrible, terrible accident. He made terrible, terrible decisions but he didn't kill April Love."

But prosecutors said Sanders had a year to get his story straight and the version he gave jurors didn't add up.

"When you add it all up, it makes no sense," said prosecutor Matt Durett. "The defendant is not just guilty of bad judgment, he's guilty of causing the death of April Love."

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Reader Comments (62 comment(s))

The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.

More Concerned wrote on Oct 16, 2006 10:38 PM:

" 25 years is not long enough for what that monster did to April. The only thing that conforts me is he will have to pay to God Almighty! He won't be able to lie to Him. He should never have a restful night, but it is evident that the scum has no conscious. "

anonymous wrote on Oct 16, 2006 11:14 PM:

" I agree that 25 years is NOT along time at all! God, however, can deal with this far better than anybody here on earth. I think that the law has failed my family. "

Reasonable wrote on Oct 17, 2006 12:11 AM:

" Anything less than life in prison without chance of parole is too lenient. If you don't believe in the death penalty, LWOP would be the most lenient punishment that would be acceptable. For FIRST degree murder, there should either be death or LWOP, no other options. "

Jerry Hawkins wrote on Oct 17, 2006 6:18 AM:

" To bad he wasn't a cop, he'd get only a year if lucky. "

Jerry Hawkins wrote on Oct 17, 2006 6:19 AM:

" Oh yes, and retirement pay. "

Browsing wrote on Oct 17, 2006 7:41 AM:

" 25 years with parole just 16 years away is no sentence for what this evil man did. I wouldn't want to be him when he meets God and has to answer to HIM for what he did and didn't do. Blessings to Love's family and friends. "

jeff wrote on Oct 17, 2006 8:09 AM:

" he he's lucky he didn't get a fourth dwi in TX...Then he could have recieved 99 yrs. 25 years please what a joke this system is. "

Shameful wrote on Oct 17, 2006 8:44 AM:

" "25 years is not enough he deserves life he took a life. The nerve of him to come up with a story of sex gone wrong to put her family thru that he should be ashame but how can he be since he is a murdered and have no regard to life only to try to cover his butt. "

Travesty wrote on Oct 17, 2006 8:57 AM:

" How incredible to think that before this monster is 40 years old, he could be out on the streets again. 25 years isn't even CLOSE to being a fitting punishment for a crime of this nature. I pray that God will have no mercy on his unrepentant soul. "

Disappointed wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:01 AM:

" April's life is worth more than just 25 years in prison. I think what is often so easy to forget is that someone's life has been brutally taken away. He not only killed her, but he has killed a part of a beatiful family, a part of all her friends and a promising part of society. She was only 20 years old, she had her whole life in front of her and he took that away maliciously. Why should he be able to even see the light of day again? What can he give to society? He has proven that he is dysfunctional and destructive. It's really sickening also because it seems like in our justice system, some people's lives are worth more than others. Had this case received more media attention to raise public awareness, he would be serving a life sentence. We need to really think about what heppened. How her life was ended, not by accident, not during an act of love (he is sick for making that story up by the way), but as an act of deliberate violence. This is sending out a message that domestic violence is a non-issue and that someone can live their life after ending another's. "

Wendy R. wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:02 AM:

" This system is a joke. I hope he gets his in prison. Imagine taking away someone's life that become successful. "

Paul wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:19 AM:

" The real message here is that you can commit any crime you like if you are willing to pay a small price. Hate someone bad enough? Go kill them. After all, you'll only get a few years for it. "

Pickles077 wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:20 AM:

" The system is broken. "

Justice1 wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:28 AM:

" Well first of all, if this case were to be re-tried, lets look at the evidence. First, I read that it was an act gone wrong. Then you hear that Love choked him first then he choked her back in self defense. Sounds like a lie in there to me. It was bad enough that this sweet young lady's life was taken, but then to leave her friends and family with some story that it was consentual sex gone bad, is as bad as him taking her life. Kill her and then smear her name. I didn't know April personally but she seem to be a classy lady who was going places, why would she have to have sex with him in her car when she had an apartment? Obviously, this girl didn't want to die. This was no accident. I am so sorry for her family and friends. But rest assure, God is going to take care of Brandon Sanders. Sex is one thing, murder is another "

Jacob wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:42 AM:

" why did he kill her killingsomeone is stupid anyways. why do something if it takes time out of your life that u have to spend in jail. "

Too Bad I Was Not The Judge wrote on Oct 17, 2006 10:17 AM:

" I agree, 25 years is not enough for the crime this man has committed.His story just did not add up. Why would they have sex in her car when "He" said they were only a mile from her apartment? What happened to her clothes,the rubber gloves etc.? If he called 911 and the call didn't go thru, he was already in the car, why didn't he drive her to the police station or to the hospital? He would have had a better chance of the police believing him then as opposed to later. Sanders' lawyer should not get any more of this family money. He should not be allowed to appeal. Appeal for what? He has already gotten the best deal of all,25years, which I think is unheard of. GOD will be the final judge and jury. "

Unknown wrote on Oct 17, 2006 12:10 PM:

" That is riduculous!!!!!!! 25 years for killing someone, the same should be done to him as he done to April. The system is crazy. Petty crimes get more than what he is getting in prison. "

DEAD WRONG to wrote on Oct 17, 2006 1:07 PM:

" JEFF:You need to check you facts!! NO I have not gotten a ticket from a cop. I do not live in Arkansas. Eric Burchett a Benton County Sheriffs Deputy only got 6 years for exposing himself to a child. Ian Smith a Little Flock Police Officer only got 30 years for RAPE and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. Joseph T Hutchens-Arkasas State Trooper charged with child porography in Sept. 2005 is still out on BAIL! I am on your side Jerry!! "

Pamela wrote on Oct 17, 2006 1:31 PM:

" Our justice system did not get it right this time, but don't worry he has to deal with a higher power and justice will be served. Rest in peace April. You will not be forgotten. "

Appeal It wrote on Oct 17, 2006 3:06 PM:

" I think all of you are forgetting that Brandon Sanders was on trial for the crime of murder...not WHO he murdered. Just because April Love was a pretty, successful girl does not mean that Brandon should do any more time than if he was to have killed a homeless person or a drug dealer. Emotions stemming from what kind of person the victim was should not decide the fate of the accused. Jurors are asked to base judgment upon facts, not emotion. The jury should have been smarter than that. "

Candice wrote on Oct 17, 2006 5:37 PM:

" First of all, I don't care what kind of person Brandon was. Anyone is capable of waking up the next day doing something totally out of their character if they are not TRULY living a life for God. That's just the way the devil works. This was an act of rage, and I feel no sympathy for Brandon. He should have gotten life. He has shown no remorse. April didn't deserve to die the way she did or be left to be found. There has not been a day that I haven't thought of her and felt the need to cry. How can he, who was in a relationship with her, not do the same? He's still lying after 1 year. Despite all that, God is still a forgiving God (I'm glad I don't make the call on who makes it in). I just wish that he would own up to the truth and not try to make her look bad. "

Jeff wrote on Oct 17, 2006 6:36 PM:

" Ok DEAD WRONG, here's the scoop. Ian Smith received additional years in his sentencing for his crimes... glad to hear it too. In addition, he was using the drugs to commit the rapes. Six years albeit not long enough is significantly longer than most people get for the same crime. Woody Frazier (Not law enforcement) of Benton County was given 90 days by Judge Kieth for molesting a little girl. Ninety days...six years..see the difference? As far as the trooper goes, everyone gets bail unless they are a flight risk, even murder suspects. Sorry, try again.... Jerry is still wrong.... and so are you. "

Concerned wrote on Oct 17, 2006 7:02 PM:

" You all need to take your argument some place else. Who cares about what happened to those people you mentioned. A murderer has gotten off too lightly and family and friends are upset, and with good reason. The jurors did not do a good job here. The system continues to fail and it is very disappointing. If this misfit had loved April, he would NOT have told those fairytales he did under oath. I can see why she was sick of him. He is a looser and she had a dream...a vision..a purpose in life. All he did was sit at home and envy her popularity. He is a society reject. "

Anonymous wrote on Oct 17, 2006 10:09 PM:

" 25 years is not enough. Murder in the 1st degree? He should've gotten lif witout parole. This system is a trip! "

Frustrated wrote on Oct 18, 2006 12:28 AM:

" Who the heck gave him 25 years? Was it the judge? This is ridiculous! Whether it was a popular, attractive coed or some poor homeless person, a crime like this would deserve the full penalty! "

Frustrated wrote on Oct 18, 2006 12:31 AM:

" Ah, misread! The jury recommended this? Sheesh! "

anonymous wrote on Oct 18, 2006 11:32 AM:

" Need to verify testimony of Mom. Brandon dismissed from Air Force due to Sickle Cell gene, unless he has Sickle Cell Disease which is not what she is saying he has. Sickle Cell Trait should not cause any problems. Wander why he was really dismissed from the Air Force!!! Was he really a A/B student and an athelete from what I hear took special education classes, check it out. "

Travesty wrote on Oct 18, 2006 1:02 PM:

" If these things about him are true, what in the world did April see in him? Let this be a lesson to every young lady who reads this: CHOOSE YOUR DATES WISELY. Until a guy has proven himeself worthy, he is deserving of a measure of suspicion as far as I'm concerned. It's too late for April, but hopefully many other young women's lives will be spared by raising their standards and asking some hard questions before they jump into a relationship (and bed) with someone whose intentions are less than honorable. May God comfort her grieving family. "

TX ALPHA wrote on Oct 18, 2006 7:28 PM:

" I find it troubling that many of you profess to be Christians and give this matter over to God for final judgement but yet you fail to follow the most basic tenant of Christianity. Forgiveness. We can't take back what Brandon did on that day. And yes, April was full of life, full of hopes, full of dreams and aspirations...she was on her way to something bigger and better. Fortunately, that was heaven and believe it or not...God was watching. He is still in control and whatever good can come out of this, we need to be obedient to the Lord and let him deliver his justice. Brandon lost his way and now he has lost any semblance of life in his lifetime. I suggest we all take a breath and pray for the families...Brandon's inclusive...and Brandon himself. He is still one of God's children despite this despicale and heinous act. We should be no less than the true Christians we profess to be in our thoughts and prays concerning the culmination of this tragedy. May God have mercy on his soul and may April finally rest in peace. Lord knows she deserves it. "

Sigma wrote on Oct 18, 2006 9:25 PM:

" Were as I agree what he did was wrong, we must understand that an unsave man is capable of all sorts of of wrongfulness. We must not condemn him for what he did, but pray for him. I am sure he understand what he did was wrong, but taking his life or locking him up forever will not bring the young lady back. If God is able to forgive all manners of sin then why cant we? We say we strive to be like Christ yet some of you would like to turn your back on this soul and lock him up forever. Is this Christ-like? Brandon did wrong according to the law of the land, and as such he was judged by the law of the land. This is his punishment for the wrong that he committed. I pray that he repents and gets things right with God because in the end his judgement is all that will matter "

Jerry Hawkins wrote on Oct 19, 2006 8:02 AM:

" Then let us parole him to Christ. Execute him. "

kandancelf wrote on Oct 19, 2006 1:24 PM:

" all rapists and also all killers should be hung tell death. prison is to good for these monsters they are not criminals they are witches and warlocks of evil and should be destroyed upon discovering who they are. they are taking something that is not theirs to take, now I say take them out entirely, they are not worthy to have one more second of life, I pray God will wipe all these wicked greedy freaks from the land of the living. "

D. Elliott wrote on Oct 20, 2006 7:35 AM:

" I think that Sanders got off easy. And why just serve only 70% of his time. I think that murderers should get the death penalty imediately. Life for a Life. "

Unknown wrote on Oct 20, 2006 11:00 PM:

" If any of you people remember right God loves everyone!!!! Was God not murdered on the cross for everyone of us? Did he not forgive the ones who murdered him? Does it not say in the bible that the ones who judge others will then be subject for judgement themselves. What I am trying to get across is that the only people who know what really happened that night is God, April, and Brandon therefore you people can't say anything about what happened or what his punishment should be. "

Predjudicy wrote on Oct 20, 2006 11:21 PM:

" The system is a joke!! Where is the minority? How come an African American received an all white jury and a white judge whats up with that? Prejudicy thats what it is. The brother never had a chance. He was also a victim because he didn't receive a fair trial. All of you other people who have left comments don't know what really happened just like I don't know what happened. The only evidence in this case was circumstantial evidence which means that there is no REAL evidence to say that this wasn't an accident. You never know some freak accident like this could happen to you one day and hopefully you will receive a fair chance to prove your innocence. "

Jerry Hawkins wrote on Oct 21, 2006 1:52 PM:

" The next time one of your innocent brothers kill someone they shouldn't take their victims wallet and cellphone home with them. Duh. "

TALA RASHAD wrote on Oct 22, 2006 10:52 AM:

" The more I think about this the more I get angry.Im the father of 3 beautiful girls & people like Brandon is why I am a firm believer in "The Right to Bear Arms". At the least he should have gotten life without the possibility of parole. 25 years is not enough. "

2 CENTS PLUS 2 wrote on Oct 23, 2006 11:59 AM:

" Yes, God is forgiving, but He also punished severely when He chose to. I do believe we need to pray for Brandon & his family, but I don't believe we can allow violent crimes to go unduely punished. We are NOT GOD. Therefore, we have to deal w/ criminals in a way that we have some control over, a way that may deter future crimes & criminals.It appears Brandon was very selfish in the way he handled the situtation(whether murder or accident then cover up)& you can't just say you're sorry & get a slap on the hands. Why would the next person this twice? I wasn't there; I wasn't a juror; I don't know the facts; BUT if he was found guilty of 1st degree murder and given 25 years, he should serve every one w/o possibilty of parole. I just don't believe tax payers should have to pay for certain criminals to sit in prison so long. Since more people are going back to prison, it must not be so bad from time to time...too many eminities. Some crimes deserve a timely execution. We just don't trust our system anymore because it's failed so many times before. What makes this situation bad-if he wrapped her body, sent an eamil posing as her, & never gave her a chance to live or respected her enough to allow her family to find her body until its unrecognizable-no mercy for this crime of passion-calucated cover-up. "

UNKNOWN wrote on Oct 24, 2006 4:17 PM:

" APRIL I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME AND I MISS YOU SO MUCH, I KNOW YOUR WITH ME AND WATCHING ME!! I AM NOT GOING TO WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING BECAUSE I KNOW THAT BRANDON IS GOING TO GET WHAT HE DESERVES "

Tracie Lee wrote on Oct 25, 2006 11:25 AM:

" I am devistated that Brandon did not get a harsher sentence it's been a year since he murdered April and I like many who knew April will never forget her because she was a very special and uniquie person with a bright future ahead of her and yes we as a society have been robbed. Her life has been taken away forever and there is no bringing her back how can they give him his life back in 17 1/2 years. It just isn't fair and to this day he still does not show any type of remorse. Her murdered her, for what? All because she didn't want him anymore and then he just left her there for someone to find her while she decomposed. If it was your daughter, sister, cousin,etc. would you be satisfied with the verdict. What type of value his the American Justice System placing on human life. Maybe the law should be amended base on the intentions of the crime, the brutality of the crime and finally the reason behind the crime. "

Frehley wrote on Oct 28, 2006 7:19 AM:

" Young sisters need to wake up..unfortunately tragic events like this happen alot more than most of us are willing to admit.I can't imagine what a beautiful sister like April would have seen in Sanders to begin with. But the truth is, young girls are making these mistakes everyday. We all need to use better judgement when choosing mates nowadays. Or unfortunately terrible tragedies like this will be the price you're paying "

UPSET wrote on Oct 28, 2006 8:05 PM:

" I Think Sanders should have got life in prison without parole. God bless the Love family. "

WHATEVER wrote on Oct 30, 2006 11:09 AM:

" THIS SYSTEM ISN'T RIGHT!!!! BRANDON YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU DESERVE AND YOU AND YOUR FAMILY KNOW YOU WILL!!!! SO EVERYONE DONT WORRY!!!....PAYBACK IS A ......... "

TAKING AWAY A ANGEL wrote on Oct 31, 2006 12:03 PM:

" THIS IS SO VERY SAD. HE TOOK AWAY A PRECIOUS ANGEL.JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL IN FRONT OF THE REAL JUDGE, GOD. "

She Lives On wrote on Nov 1, 2006 1:31 PM:

" Although April was taken from this life through the memories and the great legacy she left behind she'll remain in our hearts. I also believe 25 years isn't nearly enough but I know God will take care of that. Brandon might have been able to take away her body but the positive impact April had on so many will live forever . Rest in peace my sweet angel. "

Debbie wrote on Nov 1, 2006 10:56 PM:

" I pray that April's family will find peace through Jesus Christ. I lost my dear brother earlier this year, so I know the void that one feels through the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one. To have a loved one murdered is even worse. Know that the Lord sees all, and although our judicial system may be flawed, the final punishment will ultimately come from God. May she rest in peace. "

WHAT KIND OF JUSTICE SYSTEM WE HAVE!!!! wrote on Nov 4, 2006 7:30 AM:

" There was a young lady got killed a year ago she was beating,and her throat was cut from ear to ear.And they had this monster trail and he got life in prison without parole.Brandon Sanders get 25 years who was the jury for? "

PASSERBY FROM NZ wrote on Nov 5, 2006 9:46 PM:

" In all due respect...and unfortunately God does not make the rules of the world or each country/state/city etc.....so we all need to chill out, and focus on the LAW system....and honestly it does suck not only for this trial but for countless.....25yrs, and only have to serve 70% or possibly less....UNFAIR or FAIR??? Well as each individual has there opinion, I dear say its ridiculous.....would be nice if most victims in these similar circumstances have a chance of living, and i am sure 10% of there chances would be GREAT!!! I would also like to say something on a comment being made, in regards to her 'CHOICE OF BOYFRIEND', well that is a sad comment if ever I saw one....When an answer is NO then the answer is NO, not just keep taking what does not belong to you, or what no-one wants you to touch!!!!...His actions has nothing to do with her 'CHOICE OF B/F' remember she is the victim!!!, whether old or young, best person on the earth, to the scummiest person on earth....jealousy, trust, deceitfulness etc....are major issues in a relationship, and don't matter what type of person you are, It hits you big time, and affects individuals differently, hence this scenario...a murder/rape.....not poor judgement on her behalf, absolutely never!!!, just had tooo bigger heart by the soundz of it, and wouldn't of dreamed in a million years this person would do such a thing???? I don't know, just going on what i am reading???... "

PASSERBY FROM NZ wrote on Nov 5, 2006 10:03 PM:

" however......in my opinion, everyone has control over there actions........and everyone is responsible and must pay for the consequences for their actions!!!!...We have people who take other peoples lives, and get the chance to live their life....We have an incident called the BALI 9 .... big time drug smugglers, trying to smuggle drugs into BALI and 5 or so up for DEATH ROW....????....so you go figure eh???......I WISH THE FAMILY OF THIS LOVELY YOUNG LADY ALL THE BEST AND.... KIA KAHA TE WHANAU MO TE AATAHUA KOTIRO, TUAHINE, MOKOPUNA, E HOA AROHANUI KI TO WHANAU!!! (BE STRONG FAMILY FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER, SISTER, GRAND-DAUGHTER, FRIEND...BIG HUGE LOVE EXTENDED TO THE FAMILY..)...REMEMBER HER FOR WHO SHE IS/WAS NOT WHAT HAPPENED TO HER!!!....JUSTICE WILL TAKE ITS COURSE IN ALL DUE TIME!!!!....WHETHER HE HAS BEEN SENTENCED IN THE EYES OF THE LAW.....HE HAS ALSO BEEN SENTENCED HARSHER IN THE EYES OF THE LOVED ONES SHES LEFT BEHIND!!!!.........TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS!!! "

CAT NEW YORK wrote on Nov 10, 2006 10:03 PM:

" I'm so sorry The Love Family my blessing are with you..Just keep praying and God will see you thru..As for Mr Sanders he has to answer to God and i'm sure deep in heart he is sorry for what he did. I know nothing we say is going to bring back your sweat angle but just remember what she left behind..Stop beating yourself up thinking about what you could have done or what you should have seem in that relationship..He has to answer to God on why he did what he did. Remember he's still a child of God. God loves you and he will see you & your family thru this.... "

from NEBRASKA! wrote on Nov 21, 2006 1:26 PM:

" 25yrs? It takes 3-4 minutes to die from being strangled...let's multiple that times her age, twenty...that would mean that this young man should doing 60-80 yrs for his crime...a more fitting system of justice to me! "

Bocephus wrote on Feb 4, 2007 1:44 PM:

" It is the very party that April was a part of, the democrats, that practice this type of punishment for these types of monsters. Can't have it both ways y'all! Look at Vermont, and some of these other places, with liberal judges in place. It is sickening! "

Heartbroken wrote on Feb 13, 2007 10:08 PM:

" It is sad and just crazy for someone to do such a thing to such a wonderful person. I didn't know April personally, but you can look at her face and tell she was an angel! How could someone kill someone they supposedly loved? Not to mention send her father an email to cover himself up. 25 years is no where near enough time. What is wrong with the system today?? I don't understand...it is not my job to judge Brandon, but the Lord will deal with him! "

TV wrote on Feb 19, 2007 11:54 PM:

" I didn't know April. I stumbled upon the site and I was just glued to my computer. It sounded as if April was well on her way of becoming a guest on Oprah, talking about her many successes. What a waste. What are we left with? A story for "Law and Order". "

Alisa K. wrote on Feb 28, 2007 11:42 AM:

" To the Love family I want to say I am sorry for your loss I feel so much sadness. I would also like to send my regards to her many friends. I know how it feels to loose a friend. I fear the death of people I love and I hate it but I can't help it. Anyway I wanted to let it known I feel for others who hurt this way. Even if I am a stranger. "

Comprety wrote on Mar 1, 2007 6:04 AM:

" i never knew this pretty girl...but when i saw the dedication site her family and friends made, it just touched my heart...my condolonces to her family, and i am truly and deeply sorry for what you lost..."earth's loss of an angel, is God's gain of angels..." and as for that man, i don't think 25 years is enough to justify this heinous crime...a life-sentence, no parole, no bail, should be given instead... "

MARISSA IN OMAHA NE. wrote on Mar 14, 2007 10:56 PM:

" MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN HIS ARMS SWEETIE AND COMFORT YOUR FAMILY THROUGH THIS TIME. YOU ARE TRULY A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL OF GOD AND MAY YOUR FAMILY TAKE COMFORT KNOWING YOU ARE WITH HIM. "

God's new Angel wrote on Mar 29, 2007 3:05 PM:

" These last couple of years have not been easy for The people of Hope, AR. It started with the heartless murder of April and ended with Heidi's horrible accident. For the family of April all you yall are amazing people with an amazing strength! Your strong family ties are endless. Sitting back and watching how yall came together in a true time of need truly is heart touching. I know that it has not been easy, trust me I do know. I also know that yall have relied on God to help yall through everything from the inital shock of her death, the trial, and just getting on with your day to day lives. I have so much love and respect for your family! I know that it is still very hard for yall. Just know that people are still praying for yall! April Love you will always be missed and forever loved. Rest in Peace with God "

Derrick Rasaad Henderson's Sister wrote on Apr 20, 2007 1:17 AM:

" If Miss Love could speak today I feel she would say, "Learn from my mistakes AND learn from the mistakes of the person who took my life"! May God give us wisdom when we look for a soulmate. May God put love in our hearts when we think of hurting someone. My brother was young, black and smart like Miss Love. He also passed away around the same time as Miss Love. We need to pray EVERYDAY that God will give us the wisdom, strength and compassion to do HIS WILL. I pray that God will give those who are in mourning peace. Derrick Rasaad Henderson's sister "

Whitey wrote on Apr 24, 2007 4:49 PM:

" "If Miss Love could speak today I feel she would say, "Learn from my mistakes AND learn from the mistakes of the person who took my life"! May God give us wisdom when we look for a soulmate. May God put love in our hearts when we think of hurting someone. My brother was young, black and smart like Miss Love. He also passed away around the same time as Miss Love. We need to pray EVERYDAY that God will give us the wisdom, strength and compassion to do HIS WILL. I pray that God will give those who are in mourning peace. Derrick Rasaad Henderson's sister" ======================================= Don't forget to mention that he was black, because that really has relevance here. "

A Friend wrote on Apr 25, 2007 4:31 PM:

" It�s so hard for me to hear these things about Brandon. I�ve known him for a long time and I can say he was one of the nicest people I�ve known. What possessed him to murder someone is beyond my understanding. Yes, he does deserve more than 25 years. Someone who makes up a story about a sex act gone wrong and smears the name of a girl that everyone says is so angelic is just wrong and premeditated. I don�t believe it�s April�s fault for falling for him. Anyone who knew Brandon loved him. He just had that effect on people. I pray for Brandon�s soul everyday, that he may ask for forgiveness just as I pray for April�s family. May God watch over them all. "

APRIL'S FRIEND wrote on May 1, 2007 7:14 PM:

" HAPPY BIRTHDAY APRIL!!! GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!! LOVE YA!!!! "

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Sanders guilty of murder

Jury recommends 25 years in prison

Last updated Monday, October 16, 2006 10:07 PM CDT in News

By Ron Wood

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