An Ohio man has been sentenced to life imprisonment on Wednesday (13 November) for the brutal murder of a transgender woman.
Andrey Bridges savagely attacked Cemia ‘CeCe’ Dove in January, stabbing her 40 times before tying her to a concrete block and dumping her in a pond near his apartment in Olmstead Township, Ohio.
Her body was found almost three months later.
Assistant County Prosecutor Brian Radigan said: ‘The anger behind it, and the absolute brutality – I don’t understand it.’
Bridges had initially claimed Dove was murdered by two other men, and he only helped get rid of the body.
Speaking at the trial, Bridges said: ‘I’m sorry that I wasn’t strong enough to tell anybody what really happened. I’m sorry I couldn’t save him. I’m sorry that I witnessed how he died.’
However, the jury rejected his plea of innocence after a day of deliberation, after learning he had paid for here tax ride from Cleveland to his apartment in Olmstead Township.
Bridges’ attorney, David Grant, claimed his client had a low IQ and a history of drink and drugs. He also said the murder was a crime of ‘passion’.
Dove’s family showed anger at Bridges’ sentencing.
Nicole Cantie, one of Dove’s cousins, shouted to Bridges: ‘Who gave you the right to decide who lives and dies? You, Andrey, are a coward.
‘Was it worth it? You could have just walked away. Every breath you take is ten breaths too many. I hope and pray that prison doesn’t treat you right. Have a nice life.’
Bridges’ sentence includes time for other convictions, including tampering with evidence and for a probation violation. He will be eligible for parole in 20 years.