Man gets life in prison for 'Precious Doe' killing

updated 4:47 p.m. ET Nov. 20, 2008

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A man convicted of killing and beheading a 3-year-old girl known as "Precious Doe" has been sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Harrell Johnson was convicted last month of first-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child and abuse of a child in the 2001 slaying of Erica Green.

Life without parole was the only possible sentence that Jackson County Circuit Judge John Torrence could hand down.

Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty, partly because Johnson agreed to withdraw his request to have the case moved out of Kansas City.

The 29-year-old was the boyfriend of the girl's mother at the time of the 2001 slaying in Kansas City.

The jury that convicted Johnson recommended a four-year sentence on the endangerment charge and 25 years on the abuse charge. Torrence followed the jury's recommendations.

More from msnbc.com RedTape: DirecTV thrives on ‘deception,’ lawsuit says Doctor's mission to save Ethiopian kids' hearts Bad Santa: Gifts that say you’re old, fat or hairy  What hit Italian prime minister? Take our weekly quiz Send your holiday pictures to troops Send us your memories and images of the past decade

MORE FROM CRIME & COURTS

Crime & courts Section Front

Judge mulls issues in Kan. abortion trial Prisons could see first decline since 1972 FBI walks tightrope in outreach to Muslims Facing prison, Astor's son bares private life Friend defends husband of missing woman After gripes, city’s police to wear cameras Utah police find 2 adults, 2 kids slain at home Crime & courts Section Front   Add Crime & courts headlines to your news reader: