Christopher Saenz is going to prison for the beating death of his wife Hilary on Christmas Day 2013, allegedly in a fit of jealousy. Previous violent acts and the fact that the couple's two children had witnessed beatings of their mother weighed heavily in the decision.

Saenz is sentenced to 47 years in prison for depraved indifference murder.  The Medical Examiner testified during the trial that Hilary had died of blunt force trauma to the head. She said there were more than 50 bruises on Hilary's body, she had a lacerated liver, and a fractured collarbone.

The defense had argued during the trial that the victim had suffered a seizure and hit her head on a table. Hilary had sustained a head injury in a car accident a few years prior to her death.

But it was revealed during the trial that Saenz was convicted in 2008 of felony domestic violence assault against his wife. He also had an assault conviction against his mother in 2007.

The Ellsworth American reports Saenz read a statement at the sentencing, apologizing to his wife's family, calling her the love of his life and his best friend. He said his heroin and cocaine use spun out of control in the months leading up to her death. Saenz ended the statement by telling everyone that loved Hilary, and that 'from the depth of his soul,' he's sorry for what he did.

Hilary's father also read a statement, through tears, that the sentence won't bring Hilary back, but it will send a strong message about how Maine deals with domestic violence. The couple's 14-year-old daughter had prepared a statement but broke down before she could read it. After a brief recess, a victim's advocate read it for her.

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