INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A 32-year-old Independence Township man learned his sentence Tuesday for killing his wife and dog with a baseball bat.
Joseph Gabriel Mauti was found guilty of second-degree murder and animal torture in February. He was sentenced to 60 to 100 years in prison.
His 30-year-old wife, Lindsey, was found dead May 29, 2015, in their home on Cheshire Park Drive.
The victim’s co-workers were concerned after she didn’t show up for work so Oakland County deputies went to the home to check on her.
Their two children, ages 2 and 6 at the time, were found unharmed in the home.
Prosecutors said Joseph Mauti confessed to killing his wife with a baseball bat. He was on probation at the time of the murder for a domestic violence conviction in 2014.
The sentencing
Lindsey’s mother, and soon-to-be adopted mother of the children, had the prosecutor read a letter to the court.
“Joe committed this crime, admitted to it and had planned this for days,” the letter read. “Even though I believe this murder was premeditated, I will not second guess the verdict of the jury.”
The mother’s letter described how the children are still dealing with the loss of their mother and the difficulty they’ve had coping.
Lindsey’s father had harsh words for Mauti, calling him evil and nasty.
“He’s taken our daughter from our family. He’s cheated her children from growing up with a mother,” John Eaton said. “I hope every day in prison that you get the s--- kicked out of you.”
Prior to being sentenced, Mauti addressed the court.
“I’d like to apologize to my children,” Mauti said. “I ask for their forgiveness. I am very sorry for my conduct.”
“Even though there is disagreement on the verdict, I think there is one thing that we can all agree on: Joe Mauti is a murderer,” Judge Rae Lee Chabot said.
The guidelines for Mauti’s sentence was a maximum of 50 years. Judge Chabot sentenced him to 60 to 100 years in prison.