WINONA, Minn. – The Winona man convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his children, Adam Favel, was sentenced to life in prison as mandated by law for a jury conviction for first-degree murder with premeditation. Judge Nancy Buytendorp, who had presided at the trial, pronounced the sentence. It was the finale of a painful 62-minute hearing at which six members of the family of Maddi Kingsbury presented witness impact statements and encouraged no mercy. When Fravel was given an opportunity to respond, he said: “I never caused harm. I am innocent.” Bailiffs escorted him away. For the hearing Fravel was dressed in orange jail garb and handcuffed.
Fravel. Entering courtroom for sentencing. Attentive and straight-faced throughout the proceeding.
What next
First-degree murder convictions and sentences always are reviewed by state Supreme.Court. A reversal is rare but possible. Conceivably a new rial could be ordered. So too could be reconsideration of the trial court’s sentence.