Judge explains rationale for lifelong prison term

SANDPOINT - A former Bonner County man convicted of murder and other crimes in North Dakota apologized for the suffering he has imposed, but reiterated that he meant no harm in a shooting death.

Jonathan Peter Horvath was sentenced to life in prison without parole in connection with the March shooting death of Derrick Spiegel outside a strip club in Williston, N.D.

"I just would like to tell Mr. Spiegel's family and the survivors that my intention wasn't to cause any harm to anybody whatsoever," Horvath said, according to a news report by The Williston Herald.

The shooting occurred after a group including Horvath clashed with a group including Spiegel. Horvath testified at trial that he drew the weapon in an attempt to de-escalate the confrontation and the weapon discharged accidentally during the scuffle.

A jury in Wahpeton convicted Horvath earlier this year of murder, two counts of terrorizing and one count of reckless endangerment.

"The only thing I wanted to do was get home safe and get my party home safe," Horvath, 47, said at his sentencing hearing on Tuesday.

Williams County Judge David Nelson noted that Horvath's past record is filled with violence, theft and blown chances to steer clear of trouble with the law.

Spiegel's family said a life sentence was appropriate given the life sentence he imposed on them.

"I can't say it any better than that. In my mind, after reading the pre-sentence investigation and knowing what I know, life in prison is the only sentence that would be appropriate," Nelson said.

The Herald reported that Nelson declined to grant Horvath a chance at parole to avoid placing a burden of uncertainty on Spiegel's family.

"You have forfeited your right to be in a civilized society and you will never get out. I'm sorry for the family that I cannot make it better," Nelson said.