Man who stabbed Seattle lesbian couple sentenced

SEATTLE – A man who viciously raped a lesbian couple in Seattle two years ago, killing one of the women, has been sentenced to life in prison without release — the only possible sentence because prosecutors weren't seeking the death penalty.

Isaiah Kalebu was convicted last month of aggravated murder in the attack on Teresa Butz and her partner, Jennifer Hopper. Kalebu, who has a history of mental illness, climbed in the window of the couple's home and raped and stabbed the couple. Hopper survived.

The Seattle Times reports (http://bit.ly/nDbbq6) that Hopper addressed Kalebu in court Friday, saying, "I do wish you peace. I don't hate you."

Hopper wasn't identified by name in media accounts until last week, when she wrote a personal essay in the Seattle weekly newspaper The Stranger titled "I Would Like You to Know My Name."

___

Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com