Man sentenced in Blitzstein murder

Antone Davi, 32, who pleaded guilty in April to murder in aid of racketeering activity, was sentenced Thursday.

Davi tearfully pleaded for a lenient sentence and denied firing the shots that killed Blitzstein three years ago.

U.S. District Judge Philip Pro called the crime a "cold-blooded, calculated killing for money," as he followed prosecutor's recommendations in Davi's sentencing.

Prosecutors made the recommendation in exchange for Davi's cooperation, although his testimony ultimately was not needed.

Defense attorneys urged Pro to sentence his client to between six and eight years. The defense presented testimony from a psychiatrist who said Davi's "borderline intellectual functioning" prevents him from considering the long-term consequences of his actions.

The psychiatrist also said brain damage Davi suffered as a boxer places him between mental retardation and low normal intelligence.

Pro rejected the arguments and told Davi: "You and you alone are responsible for the decisions that you made."

Davi is one of seven men accused of playing a role in Blitzstein's death. Four of them, including Davi, entered guilty pleas. One man died before trial. Two went to trial and were acquitted of all charges related to the killing.

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