CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, June 5 (UPI) -- A drifter who denied any intent to kill was sentenced to life in a New Zealand prison Wednesday for the murder and dismemberment of a teenager.
Gavin Gosnell, 28, will be eligible for parole in 18 years, The (Christchurch) Press reported. He admitted during the sentencing in Christchurch he cut up Hayden Miles' body and buried the pieces in two cemeteries and his back yard but said he would appeal his conviction for murder.
"I am not a murderer and I did not murder Hayden Miles," he said.
Hayden was 15 when he vanished in August 2011. His body was found four months later.
Prosecutors asked for a life sentence, arguing Hayden was beaten to death.
Seven members of the victim's family made statements to the court. After the sentencing, Jacqui Miles wept as she held up a photo of her son.
"This is for you Hayden," she said. "We did it. Eighteen years."
