Lake Superior Court Judge Thomas Stefaniak Jr. sentenced convicted murderer Deonta McFerson to 90 years in prison for the slashing death of Shanayia Fortney of Gary and for being a habitual offender.

McFerson had sex with the victim, then slashed her throat several times with a utility knife to prevent her from telling anyone. Her mother discovered her nude body in the laundry room of their home in the 1100 block of East 51st Place, Gary.

Unlike many family members of murder victims, Fortney reached out to McFerson's family, offering not only his forgiveness but prayers for them in the loss their family has experienced.

McFerson, who confessed to the murder, has been active in weekly Bible study at the Lake County Jail, according to testimony at his sentencing hearing.

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