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Life In Prison For Sudanese Refugee Convicted In Stabbing Death Of Co-Worker At Montco Meat-Packing Plant

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- A life-sentence for the Sudanese refugee and former child-soldier, who was convicted earlier this year of the 2015 stabbing death of a co-worker at a meat-packing plant in Montgomery County.

Thirty-three-year-old Peter Atem showed no emotion as Danny Vazquez's family members broke down in tears, remembering the 25-year-old as a hard worker and a family man. His fiancé saying their three children still wait for their father to come home for dinner, or to give bedtime kisses, one child even asking when daddy will come home from the sky.

Atem was convicted of First Degree Murder, as he stabbed Vazquez nine times at the Mopac rendering plant in Franconia in February, 2015.

At Atem's trial, his defense said he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder from his time as a refugee and child soldier in Sudan.

Prosecutor Alec O'Neill says it's a sad story, but doesn't excuse his actions.

"For this serious a crime, this heinous a crime, the penalty is life and that's what he got."

The victim's brother told Atem, while he knows it's not right, he can never forgive Atem, adding, "I hope you rot in prison."

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