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Feedback: Odle Gets 37 Years In Prison For Murder, Attempted Murder

Story Published: Jun 8, 2012 at 1:14 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 8, 2012 at 6:37 PM EDT

An Alexandria Bay man is going to prison for at least the next 37 years, but at least some members of his victims' family wishes he would get the death penalty.

Mikel Odle, who pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder charges, was sentenced in Jefferson County Court Friday.

The 21 year old also pleaded guilty to a charge of reckless endangerment.

Odle pleaded in connection with a May 2011 incident in Cape Vincent.

He stabbed 51 year old Mary Burkman to death and then inflicted numerous stab wounds on her 21 year old daughter, Amber Englehart.

Englehart survived.

Odle then led police on a high speed chase with his and Englehart's 11 month old daughter in his vehicle.

He pleaded guilty in April, but tried to withdraw his plea Friday.

Odle claimed he was coerced and threatened by the district attorney's office, which is why he accepted the plea.

The judge denied the request.

The court then heard victim impact statements from family members.

Terri Salisbury, the sister of Mary Burkman, said, "Our lives have been turned upside down...Some family members wish the death penalty were still an option."

Odle received a 22 year to life sentenced for Burkman's murder and a 15 year to life term for stabbing Englehart.

Englehart had 13 stab wounds.

"The last time I saw him he was stabbing me and my mother.  I think today was a day for me to get closure for the death of my mom and everything that was done to us," Englhart told 7 News.

The terms will be served consecutively, meaning Odle will not be eligible for parole until he has been in prison for 37 years.

Salisbury said she "hopes he gets to a place where he can turn his life over to God."

See our original report

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Sunday, May 19, 2013
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