Paul Gutierrez, who was convicted of killing 18-month-old Makaio Radke, was sentenced life in prison without a possibility of release Tuesday.

Wednesday, March 06, 2002

Paul Gutierrez, who was convicted of killing 18-month-old Makaio Radke, was sentenced life in prison without a possibility of release Tuesday.

Judge James Broberg added a restitution of $3,530 for the funeral service and other expenses, which will be paid through proceeds from his work in prison. Gutierrez will also be registered as a sex offender.

Gutierrez, in a light-blue T-shirt and dark-blue inmate pants, declined an opportunity to speak in the court before he was sentenced.

Prior to the sentencing, a victim impact statement written by Matthew Alan Radke, Makaio’s father, was read.

&uot;Makaio’s sudden death has caused immense grief and pain to my family and friends,&uot; Radke wrote. &uot;Questions like: why would someone do this to a innocent little boy, or what is wrong with the people in this world, have run through my head numerous times.&uot;

Radke said that he has been seeing a therapist after his son’s death. &uot;It has been a real up and down struggle,&uot; the letter stated.

Makaio’s school-age sister also submitted a statement, saying, &uot;You were only a baby. Please God bring him back to me. It would be really nice if you could bring him back to me. I’ll take care of him till the end of time.&uot;

Gutierrez was transported to a prison in St. Cloud after the sentencing. He has a right to appeal within 90 days.