Jared Remy, son of former Red Sox player, gets life for killing girlfriend

WOBURN, Mass., May 27 (UPI) -- Jared Remy, son of former Red Sox player Jerry Remy, told a Massachusetts court Tuesday that the girlfriend he killed was "an angel."

Remy admitted stabbing Jennifer Martel last year, killing her in front of their 5-year-old daughter. After he entered a guilty plea to first-degree murder, he received the mandatory sentence, life with no parole.

"If you ask my family, they'd rather have me dead than her," Remy said. "Jen was an angel and always will be an angel."

Remy's parents did not attend the hearing in Middlesex County District Court.

The killing took place last year in the home the couple had shared in Waltham, just outside Boston. Jared Remy had worked as a Red Sox security guard.

Jerry Remy, who grew up in Massachusetts, became a broadcaster for the Red Sox after retiring as a second baseman in 1984. He has been off for a couple of days this week.

Martel's parents have custody of their granddaughter. The Remys have visitation rights.

Jared Remy, 35, pleaded guilty to a number of other charges, including assault and violation of a restraining order. Prosecutors said he had a long history of abusive relationships.

Lisa McGovern, the prosecutor in the case, said that Martel had changed her Facebook status not long before her death, saying she was "in a complicated relationship."

"Jennifer discussed with friends and relatives the possibility of ending the relationship," McGovern said.