A former Pennsylvania state police trooper, convicted of murdering a Blairsville dentist, was formally sentenced this morning to life in prison.

Kevin Foley, 43, of White, Indiana County, was convicted in March of first-degree murder for the 2006 slaying of Dr. John Yelenic, who was found slashed and stabbed to death in his home. Foley was living with Yelenic's estranged wife, Michele, at the time of the murder.

Foley did not speak during the sentencing hearing in front of Indiana County Judge William Martin, but his attorney, Richard Galloway, spoke on his behalf.

Galloway maintained Foley's innocence, saying his client would be vindicated upon appeal. Galloway said pretrial publicity kept Foley from getting a fair trial.

Martin also heard statements from six of Yelenic's friends and family members. Michele Yelenic was not in the courtroom.

At the time of Yelenic's death, he and Michele were embroiled in a bitter divorce.

Martin said he found it troubling that Foley sought out Yelenic inside his own home. The judge said he believed the crime was motivated by "greed." He called the jury's verdict "just."

"It would be reprehensible for any human being to commit this crime, but the fact you are a Pennsylvania state policeman is incomprehensible," Martin said to Foley.

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