MANCHESTER, N.H. — A man convicted of hacking a woman to death with a machete and maiming her daughter during a home invasion apologized to the victims’ family on Monday, saying in a letter read in court that he does not expect or deserve forgiveness. The woman’s husband said he found the comments insulting.
“Through my impulsive actions, I have torn apart families and ruined lives,” said the statement by Steven Spader, which was read by his lawyer. “I am truly sorry for the pain I have caused you. I do not expect forgiveness, nor do I deserve any.”
Spader received a mandatory life sentence with no chance for parole for killing Kimberly Cates and severely injuring her 11-year-old daughter, Jaimie, in 2009. He wasn’t in court as his lawyers argued for a reduced sentence, a necessary hearing in light of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year.
The ruling said mandatory life sentences for those under age 18 when the crime was committed amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. Spader was 17 at the time the crimes were committed. He was convicted and sentenced in November 2010.
Spader’s lawyers said he has forbidden them from submitting any evidence in a bid for a reduced sentence.
“I choose not to slip by on some technicality,” Spader’s statement said. “Instead I choose to accept responsibility for my actions.”
Kimberly Cates’s husband, David Cates, and Jaimie were in court and left without commenting. Prosecutor Jeff Strelzin, who met with them afterward, said Cates found Spader’s comments insulting.
“It’s fair to say, given what we know about this defendant, it’s all about him,” said Strelzin, calling Spader a “psychopath” who had no chance at rehabilitation.
