SEATTLE — A man convicted of fatally shooting a wine steward in North Seattle was sentenced for first-degree murder Friday.
Last month, a jury found 32-year-old Dinh Bowman guilty of the 2012 shooting of Yancy Noll, who was driving home when he was shot.
Bowman, who fired the fatal shots through his own passenger window, was sentenced to 350 months, slightly less than 30 years in prison, plus 36 months community custody when released.
Prosecutors called the murder a random thrill-killing.
Bowman testified Noll had thrown a wine bottle into his convertible and hit him on the head in a road rage incident in Seattle's Roosevelt neighborhood. No witnesses backed up Bowman’s claims.
Prosecutors told the jury that Bowman was a student of murder who read manuals on how to kill and get away with it.
Hours after his conviction, Bowman tried to commit suicide by slitting his wrists with a razor.
During the sentencing Friday, Bowman wept openly as Noll’s best friend spoke and showed photos of Noll as his best man at his wedding. He asked that Bowman receive the maximum sentence.
Through tears, another friend of Noll’s spoke.
"I wish I wasn't here. I wish I didn't have to look up the definition of a thrill kill," Della Glein said.
Noll's girlfriend, Jody Wirtz, cried as she spoke before the court.
"I miss Yancy every day. I won't know what it's like to grow old with him," Wirtz said, calling his death a void that will never be filled.
Bowman's attorney said the case was tried on the theory that Bowman had planned to kill a person, a theory his attorney claimed was ridiculous. Bowman stood by quietly weeping.
"Mr. Noll followed Mr. Bowman. Bowman's attorney said. He told the judge the act was not premeditated, because it resulted from the alleged conflict between the two men. No evidence from police or witnesses supported the claim that Noll followed Bowman.
Bowman's parents also spoke at their son's sentencing.
"No father should have to bury their son ... we deeply regret the role our son, Dinh, had in Mr. Noll's death," said Dinh Bowman's father, Thom Bowman. "We will carry this burden with us the rest of our lives." He then asked the court to have mercy on his son.
His mother, Hong Bowman, blamed herself for what happened. Crying, she was unable to continue.
Bowman's attorney read her statement: "Our son's acts were our fault," it said, explaining that they thought teaching him to use a gun was for self-protection and nothing else. The statement from Bowman’s mother also asked the judge to punish her, in place of her son.
Finally, Bowman spoke.
"I'm sorry that we're here today. I know how horrible this has been for my friends and my family,” Bowman said. “I'm disappointed the jurors didn't believe me." Bowman said he hopes this brings some closure to Noll's family. As he spoke, Noll's girlfriend and a friend plugged their ears.
As the judge spoke before announcing the sentence, he told Bowman's parents that their son's actions were his own.
"I feel very sorry for your parents, Mr. Bowman, and I want to tell them it is not their fault," he said.
Bowman’s defense team plans to appeal.
Previous coverage:
Dec. 11- Verdict reached in Dinh Bowman murder trial
Dec. 9 - Killer shows little emotion during murder case
Dec. 8 - Murder suspect tip-toes through questioning
Dec. 4 - RAW VIDEO: Dinh Bowman murder trial testimony
Dec. 4 - Murder suspect: I shot victim - but in self-defense
Dec. 3 - Prosecutor: 'How-to' video shows premeditation
Want to talk about the news of the day? Watch free streaming video on the KIRO 7 mobile app and iPad app, and join us here on Facebook.
KIRO
