Westland Man Sentenced In Teen's Murder
Nicholas Cottrell will spend the next 25 to 50 years in prison for second degree murder in the killing of a Westland teen.
The 22-year-old Westland man learned his sentence Thursday in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Carlee Morse.
Morse was missing last summer before Cottrell and Justin Yoshikawa were charged with her killing.
Speaking before the court, Thursday, Carlee's sister Lauren Morse said she's disgusted with Cottrell.
"We pleaded with your family to help when she was missing. It turns out they knew and lied. It's trash -- complete, nasty trash," she said.
Cottrell's mother, Tina Lowe, has been charged as an accessory after the fact.
Cottrell said he was afraid Yoshikawa would kill him if he didn't go along with the murder. His attorney apologised to Carlee's family on his behalf.
Carlee's body has never been found.
"I believe that you know where she is. I believe, from the bottom of my heart, that you know -- and you need to tell so we can do the right thing for her. She does not need to be left in trash and garbage," said Carlee's mother, Laurie.
"She was beautiful, and I cannot believe this has happened," she said.
