Three sentenced for prison killing

BONN , Germany, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Three men who admitted to the torture and killing of a cell mate at a German juvenile detention center have been sentenced to prison terms.

Pascal I., 20, who was identified as the leader of the three, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while Ralf A., 21, was given a 14 year sentence and Dany K., 18, was sentenced to 10 years, Deutsche Welle reported Thursday.

The three men had previously confessed to the torture, beating, sexual assault and killing of cell mate Hermann H., who was forced to submit to the abuse for 12 hours before the three other prisoners forced him to hang himself.

The trial judge said the three men had planned to cover up the crime by making it appear that the victim, who had a history of psychological problems, had committed suicide.

Investigators are still working to determine whether charges should be brought against prison personnel for failing to notice any problems in the cell, despite the prolonged nature of the crime.