AG says teen's life sentences for murder not cruel

HELENA — Montana's attorney general says the three life sentences a Helena teen received for killing one boy and trying to kill two others are appropriate and shouldn't be overturned.

Steve Bullock filed the documents with the state Supreme Court this week in response to an appeal by Sebastian Olivares-Coster's attorneys, who say the sentences constitute "cruel and unusual punishment."

Olivares-Coster was 17 when he shot and killed 16-year-old Cory Andrewski on June 3, 2009. He also shot and seriously injured two other boys, ages 15 and 17.

The Independent Record reports Bullock argues that given the gravity of the offense, the sentences do not shock the conscience or meet the standards of cruel and unusual punishment. The defense argues the sentences disregard the possibility Olivares-Coster can change.

The teen pleaded guilty but has not disclosed a motive for the shootings.