A judge today sentenced to prison two half sisters, admitted prostitutes who were remorseful over the killing last year of a man who paid them for sex.
The tears and apologies expressed by Rasheida Rankin, 20, and Shaquela Holden, 19, failed to move relatives of the victim, Louis G. Pogonovich, 59.
"A part of my life and my heart are missing," Iris Pogonovich, one of the six siblings of victim, wrote in a letter describing the impact of the homicide.
Ms. Rankin, of Beltzhoover, and Ms. Holden, of the Hill District, admitted that they strangled Mr. Pogonovich.
The women took Mr. Pogonovich's car and drove to West Virginia where they were arrested.
Ms. Holden quickly cooperated with authorities, pleading guilty to third-degree murder, fraudulent use of the victim's credit card and conspiracy. A robbery charge was dismissed.
Common Pleas Judge Anthony Mariani sentenced Ms. Holden to 71/2 to 15 years in prison with two years probation upon her release. She also was ordered to pay $3,205 restitution for destroying the victim's vehicle.
Because her sister, Ms. Rankin, has a lengthy juvenile record, and did not immediately agree to cooperate, she was sentenced to 10 to 20 years with five years probation.
More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
First Published: October 25, 2007, 7:45 p.m.
