The ex-con convicted of killing a Jamaica Plain store clerk Surendra Dongol was officially sentenced to life in prison in the United States on Saturday. Edward Corliss (65) was convicted of first-degree murder for shooting Dongol (39) during an armed robbery the day after Christmas in 2009 at the Tedeschi's on Centre Street. 

The first-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence without parole as per US laws. Dongol was an immigrant from Nepal living in Somerville on a work visa.“I'm very happy with the decision because people will be saved from another murder,“ Dongol's brother Birendra told the US media in Boston. (Details on The ex-con convicted of killing a Jamaica Plain store clerk Surendra Dongol was officially sentenced to life in prison in the United States of America today.

Edward Corliss, 65, was convicted of first-degree murder for shooting Dongol, 39, during an armed robbery the day after Christmas in 2009 at the Tedeschi’s on Centre Street.

The first-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence without parole as per US laws.

Dongol was an immigrant from Nepal living in Somerville on a work visa.

His family went to Suffolk Superior Court for the sentencing today afternoon.

“I’m very happy with the decision because people will be saved from another murder,” Dongol’s brother Birendra told the US media in Boston.

He also thanked police and prosecutors who worked on the case.“We were really devastated (by) the incident, but I am really happy we got justice.” Dongol’s wife Kalpana sat crying in court as Birendra spoke.

Then, she took the stand, quietly saying, “I am happy that I got justice.” Before he was sentenced, Corliss was asked if he wanted to speak. “I’m pretty confused right now, I don’t want to say nothing,” he told the court.

Corliss was paroled in 2006 after killing a store clerk in Salisbury in 1971.

Before she formally sent Corliss back to prison, Judge Diane Kottmeyer said, “We are all acutely aware of the limitations of justice in a murder case. It cannot return (Dangol) to his family.” “The evidence indicated an absence of remorse, and even a willingness to execute witnesses.”Kottmeyer said.

She recognised Surendra’s wife, his daughter and his brother, and the loss they faced without him in their lives. “The impact of this crime isn’t confined to those who knew and loved him. Dangol was killed even though he did everything within his power to comply with Corliss’ demands.”

Published on: 2 October 2011 | The Himalayan Times