A 53-year-old Lake Charles woman on Wednesday was sentenced to 40 years in prison for killing her husband in December 2011.

Darlene Sias pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of 62-year-old Joseph Sias.

Darlene Sias was originally charged with second-degree murder, but the charge was amended as part of a plea deal.

Joseph Sias’ three children all testified in court on Wednesday.

Daughter Tonya Sias spoke of Thanksgiving 2011, the family’s last holiday together.

“I will keep Thanksgiving 2011 in my memory,” she said.

“Our holidays will never be the same,” said her sister, Yolanda Sias.

Joseph Sias was killed on Dec. 20, 2011, and buried on New Year’s Eve.

“I keep asking how she could do that to my daddy,” Yolanda said. “All she had to do was leave.”

Joseph Sias Jr. said that the facts that he will soon graduate from college, joined the reserves and is engaged to be married are reflections of his father.

“My accomplishments are merely ripples of my father’s legacy,” the younger Sias said.

Speaking for Darlene Sias, her attorney, King Alexander, said she wished to take responsibility for the crime and expressed remorse.

(American Press Archives)

Michelle Higginbotham

Darlene Sias