Man Receives 80-Year Sentence for MP's Murder

An Anchorage man was sentenced to 80 years in prison Friday for the 2008 murder of a military police officer.

Vongdeuane Vongthongdy shot Evan Minnear when Vongthongdy got drunk and fired a gunshot in downtown Anchorage, causing Minnear -- who was off-duty at the time -- to confront him. Surveillance video shows a pushing match ensued between the men.

Vongthongdy's attorney, Leslie Hebert, said she believed her client felt threatened because Minnear acted authoritative, and Vongthongdy did not know Minnear was a police officer.

Members of Minnear's family believe he was just trying to keep the peace when he approached Vongthongdy.

"I don't think he understands what he took from us," said Julie Rushton, Minnear's mother.

Vongthongdy had been released on probation for another felony just two weeks before he shot Minnear.

"I'm sorry I took your son away," Vongthongdy said during sentencing.

Contact Ashton Goodell at agoodell@ktuu.com