Man sentenced in 2008 death on Mohawk reservation

MALONE, N.Y. (AP) – A 39-year-old Canadian man has been sentenced to concurrent 25-year prison terms for a slaying on the Mohawk Indian reservation at New York's northern border.

Richard Oakes denied killing Thomas Hathaway in Franklin County Court on Nov. 22 before being sentenced for first-degree manslaughter and first-degree burglary. The Press-Republican of Plattsburgh reports that the Snye, Quebec resident had earlier pleaded guilty to the charges, but later tried to withdraw the pleas.

Authorities say Hathaway was shot twice in the head before his house was set ablaze in September 2008.

Co-defendant Rhonda Amber Dufoe was sentenced in September to two concurrent 20-year prison terms for manslaughter and burglary for her role in Hathaway's death.

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Information from: Press-Republican,
http://www.pressrepublican.com