30 years for N.J. woman who killed boyfriend's wife in love triangle
MORRISTOWN, N.J. -- A woman who admitted to killing her boyfriend's wife - on his orders - apologized to the victim's family Friday, before being sentenced to 30 years in prison, reports CBS New York.
"Knowing all that I know now, all I can say is I'm really sorry," said Antoinette Stephen. "I take full responsibility for my part in this tragedy, and if my punishment can give you some small measure of relief, I'll gladly take it."
Stephen took a plea deal - admitting she shot and killed Nazish Noorani - the wife of her boyfriend, Kashif Parvaiz, - and a mother of two.
Noorani was walking with Parvaiz - her husband - and their youngest son in Boonton, New Jersey back in August 2011 - when Noorani was gunned down. Parvaiz was shot in the leg.
Parvaiz claimed they were targeted in an anti-Muslim attack. But Stephen ended up admitting she pulled the trigger under orders from Parvaiz, who was found guilty of murder and other charges and was sentenced last month to life in prison plus 10 years.
"Her last word with her dying breath was, 'Allah.' I heard it, and it haunts me day in and day out," Stephen said. "I know he took her to heaven. I know she is in heaven. I have to believe that."
Stephen's attorney reportedly told the judge Parvaiz concocted a sick web of lies that Stephen believed - including that he was separated, and that Noorani refused to get their sick son treatment - so he needed her out of the picture to save his child's life.
But Noorani's brother did not buy her apology: "Antoinette, you murdered my best friend. How dare you murder her and then say you are sorry!" said Kaleem Noorani. "Who gave you the right to be the judge, jury and executioner?"
The prosecutor called Parvaiz a horrible, narcissistic person - but said that woman who killed his wife is not a victim.
"Ultimately, what she (Stephen) did is inexcusable and indefensible," said Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Troiano.
The judge sentenced Stephen to 30 years in prison.
Noorani's brother said in court that even if Stephen got the maximum possible sentence, it's his sister's two little children - now motherless - who are truly serving a life sentence.
Stephen testified against Parvaiz at trial after pleading guilty to murder and other offenses.