United States: Man sentenced to two life sentences

A man has been sentenced to two life sentences after pleading guilty to the murder of two young sisters in a 2022 shooting in Ashland, Kentucky, USA.

Hohn Tooson, 36, received two life sentences in Boyd Circuit Court after pleading guilty to two counts of murder, first-degree robbery, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, willful endangerment, and being a persistent criminal offender.

Prosecutors said Tooson was in a relationship with Selina Easter, 20, when he entered her apartment in June 2022 and shot her and her sister, Summer Algarakhuly, 18.

Authorities indicated that Summer's newborn daughter was in another room at the time of the shooting.

Tooson fled Kentucky after the murders and was later captured in Ohio.

During the sentencing, family members described the lasting impact these murders had on the victims' children.

"I was only supposed to be her aunt," said a relative, describing the upbringing of Summer's daughter.

"She'll never know what it's like to throw herself into her mother Summer's arms after a bad day."

"John Tooson's guilty plea and conviction hold those responsible for the senseless and tragic loss of two young lives, Selina and Summer, accountable," said Boyd County Commonwealth District Attorney Rhonda Copley in a statement.

Attorney General Russell Coleman added: "A mother can never be replaced. The sentences handed down will not fill the void left, but we hope they will bring justice to all those who loved these two young women."

Under Kentucky law, Tooson will be eligible for parole after serving 25 years of his sentence.