Life in prison for quadruple murderer

OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A convicted murderer has learned his fate for killing four people in 2008.

It was a case that rocked Ottawa County and all of West Michigan. Sharmaine Zimmer, her sons Jeremy and Tyler, and Jeremy's girlfriend Katherine Brown were all found dead inside the Zimmer's burned-out home in Wright Township in September of 2008.

Troy Brake, a man three of the victims had known for years, was found guilty of all four murders in May.

Investigators say Brake's plan was to kill the Zimmers, getting them out of the way so that he could rape, and then kill, Brown. Brake then set the house on fire to cover up his actions.

On Monday Brake had to face the families of those he killed. Newschannel 3 was in the courtroom for the emotional sentencing.

Seven family members spoke at Monday's sentencing, taking advantage of their last chance to say what they have to say before Brake goes to prison for the rest of his life. On Monday there were lots of tears, and still lots of pain.

It's been a year of pain for those who knew the victims, Elizabeth Kurtz was Katherine Brown's best friend.

"There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about her," said Kurtz. "So many times I want to pick up the phone, laugh about the good times, but I know that I can't because of what Mr. Brake did to her."

Speaking on behalf of the Zimmer family was Katherine Zimmer. She spoke for a family that has dealt with so much loss, having three loved ones taken from them. Katherine spoke about the horror of that day in September.

"We learned someone did this to our family, we learned it was not an accident, they did not die peacefully in their sleep, we still feel sick about the pain that they endured," said Zimmer.

Katherine Brown's aunt Ann Kik Powers had strong words for Brake.

"Today I will not stand here and share with you anything about Katherine, I will not because this criminal does not deserve, not care to know anything about her, as demonstrated by his evil, callous, perverse actions," said Kik Powers.

While few in the courtroom could hide their emotions, Brake sat through it all quietly, even as he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Brake had little to say to the judge on Monday, you may remember that he also declined to testify in his own defense back in May.