KINGMAN, Kan. (AP) The former Kansas lawman convicted in the death of his wife could face a punishment that would keep him in prison for decades.
Jurors found Brett Seacat guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his 34-year-old wife, Vashti Seacat, in their home just days after she filed for divorce in 2011.
Sentencing was set for Aug. 5, and prosecutors say they intend to seek a “hard 50” sentence, which means Seacat would have no chance for parole for at least 50 years.
Investigators found Vashti Seacat’s body among the charred remains of the Kingman house where the couple lived with their two sons, ages 2 and 4.
Brett Seacat, a former police instructor and sheriff’s deputy, escaped the blaze safely with the two boys.
