Sean Taylor was shot and killed in 2007 during a botched home invasion in Miami. Four men were charged in connection with his death, including Eric Rivera, who was convicted of first-degree murder in 2014.

Rivera's sentencing hearing took place in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court on Friday, July 8th, 2023. Judge Dennis Murphy sentenced Rivera to 57 years in prison, the maximum sentence allowed under Florida law.

Taylor's fiancée, Jackie Garcia, read an impact statement in court, describing the devastating loss her family has suffered. "Sean's life was cut short by a senseless act of violence," she said. "We will never get over the pain of losing him."

Assistant State Attorney Khalil Bacchus said Rivera played "a major role" in Taylor's death. "He was responsible for recruiting the other individuals involved in the crime," Bacchus said. "He deserves every bit of the punishment he is facing."

Rivera's attorney, Jose Baez, argued that Rivera was not the shooter and that he did not intend for Taylor to be killed. He asked for a more lenient sentence, but Murphy declined.

Rivera has the right to appeal his sentence. If his appeal is unsuccessful, he will serve the majority of his life in prison. The sentencing of Rivera closes a chapter in the tragic story of Sean Taylor's death, but his legacy as a respected athlete and beloved father will live on.

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