A Minnesota man convicted in the death of a Weston woman in an argument over drugs will be spending a long time in prison. Richi Vue was sentenced today to 28 years in prison and 7 years of extended supervision for the reckless homicide of Lee Xiong in October of 2012. Vue is 23-years-old.
Defense attorney Deja Vishney argued that Vue was caught up in reckless behavior because of his environment and that Vue and Xiong were in an abusive relationship. Prosecutor Teresa Wetzsteon argued today that Vue was a career criminal already and that the victim in the case was Lee Xiong.
Judge Greg Grau agreed with both sides and pointed out something he sees often in cases like this. “None of the people who you sold drugs with, none of those people you engaged in violence with come to your sentencing. They’re not here. Your family is always here.”
He said Vue has never availed himself of the opportunities offered to him in the numerous previous convictions and run ins with the law. “I look to the need for public protection, and when I look at all the convictions to date, I find you are a real and significant threat to the public at this time and the public needs to be protected from you at this time.”
Vue will not be eligible for early release, and will have to pay restitution in this case and other previous cases on his record.
WSAU