CLEVELAND - Lesleye Holliman was sentenced to life in prison with no chance for parole for 15 years for her role in the slaying of a 15-year-old girl.
Holliman, 18, pleaded guilty to murder last month for killing Demesha Sharp near East 140th Street and Darley Avenue. Ohio law dictated that she receive a sentence of 15 years to life.
Holliman apologized to Sharp's family today in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Eilleen A. Gallagher's courtroom.
"I'm truly sorry that Damesha Sharp is dead," Holliman said.
"I didn't mean for it to turn out this way."
On Oct. 19, 2007, Holliman -- with backup from several family members -- stabbed Sharp and severed her aorta. Holliman, who was 17 at the time of the slaying, and Sharp had a contentious relationship.
A family spokesman told Gallagher in court that Sharp was just starting to figure out what she wanted to be when her life was cut short.
Sharp's death made big news because three generations of the Holliman family took part in the attack.
Her cousin, Anthony Holliman, 20, stabbed a 16-year-old boy who tried to stop the attack. Anthony Holliman pleaded guilty to attempted murder and felonious assault and faces a maximum of 18 years in prison when he is sentenced next month.
Holliman's mother, Yulonda, and grandmother, Annetta, also kept onlookers at bay during the attack by using pepper spray and a stun gun, according to police reports. Yulonda pleaded guilty Wednesday to felonious assault and involuntary manslaughter. She faces a maximum of 13 years in prison. She is scheduled to be sentenced next month as well.
Annetta Holliman was out on bail when she died in August of natural causes.
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