DETROIT – A man was sentenced Thursday to spend at least 22 years in prison for killing his ex-girlfriend in his Westland home.
Jamie Pearson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for strangling Rachel Watson last October. Her body was found during a welfare check by police after she failed to show up to work. Watson's four children, all under the age of 13, were inside the home at the time of her death, but were not hurt.
Pearson is the father of Watson's youngest child.
At his sentencing, Pearson called his actions unholy and unrighteous.
"At 38 years old, there were some circumstances that drove me past an unreasonable state of mind, and ultimately take the life of one of God's children and change my own," Pearson said. "I have broken laws and commandments that have left many in sorrow, mourning, disbelief. I would like to say my deepest, dearest and most sincere apologies to the Watson family and close associates."
Pearson spoke directly to Watson's father, the Rev. Theodore Watson, who was in the courtroom.
"I loved your daughter dearly and I tried to show her the world," Pearson said.
Watson said he still has images of his daughter's death in his mind and has trouble sleeping.
"Some nights I lay down and I don't sleep through the night," he said. "I really miss Rachel. I miss her so much."
Pearson's sentence was part of a plea deal. He was originally charged with first-degree murder but pleaded guilty to second-degree murder with a sentence of 22 1/2 years to 40 years in prison.