Grandparents killer sentenced to two life terms

A man who strangled and robbed his grandparents after they celebrated his release from prison was sentenced to two life terms without parole in court Friday in Seattle.

That was the only possible sentence for Michael Chadd Boysen after he entered a guilty plea to aggravated murder charges Oct. 4 for the March 9 killings of 82-year-old Robert Taylor and 80-year-old Norma Taylor at their Renton home.

King County prosecutors did not seek the death penalty.

Boysen stood up in court to say he does have remorse for the murders, whether his family believes him or not.

“I hope today, by speaking, they can get some of their angst and anger out at me. I hope it made them feel better. I’m sure they probably feel I’ll deserve all that I have coming to me in prison for the rest of my life.”

Lawyers for the 27-year-old had asked for a 40-year sentence because of Boysen’s history of mental illness and suicide attempts.

The superior court judge said a lesser sentence was not possible.

Boysen was found with self-inflicted cuts when he was arrested at a Lincoln City, Ore., motel.

His mother, Melanie Taylor, spoke in court about her son and the death of her parents.

“Where did it all go wrong? Chad had all the love and support a child could ask for or want. How does life go wrong when so many things are right.”

Boysen entered an Alford plea, which means that he doesn’t admit guilt, but acknowledges he would likely be convicted at trial.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.