'Life sentence of grief' for Irma Palasics's family after cold case killing

The grandson of Irma Palasics has spoken of the devastating impact her death has had on her family, describing it as a "life sentence of grief" during a sentencing hearing for the two men convicted of her manslaughter. John Mikita and his family delivered victim impact statements to the ACT Supreme Court, recounting the violent home invasion that left Mrs. Palasics dead and her husband injured, as well as the theft of $30,000 from their home.

Their ordeal began in 1999 and continued for over two decades, with the case culminating in the identification of the perpetrators through a lucky DNA match. Joseph Vekony and Steve Fabriczy, now in their 70s, were found guilty of manslaughter and other charges, and will be sentenced on Friday. Their lawyer, Skye Jerome, requested a reduction in Fabriczy's sentence due to his cooperation with police, but prosecutors emphasized that his cooperation was for personal gain.

Vekony, who had liver cancer, admitted no remorse and showed no acceptance of guilt. The prosecution argued that his actions fell into the worst category of manslaughter, deserving the maximum sentence.