Family hopes Chinook native's killer gets life without parole

BOZEMAN (AP) — As a Bozeman man awaits sentencing for fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend, the victim’s family says her killer should have been eligible for the death penalty.

Anthony Fagiano is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday after pleading guilty to deliberate homicide and other charges in the March 9 death of 37-year-old Darcy Buhmann, who grew up in Chinook. Prosecutors say they plan to recommend a 160-year prison term for 35-year-old Fagiano.

Fagiano has admitted to breaking into Buhmann’s home in violation of a protective order and shooting her to death as she tried to hide in her closet.

Buhmann’s brother, Lennie, said her family hopes Fagiano receives the maximum sentence without parole. He says Fagiano’s actions warranted a death penalty case and the Legislature should “address this in the future.”