CALDWELL, Idaho — The Caldwell man who confessed to killing his 18-year-old daughter has been sentenced in Canyon County Court to life in prison with no possibility of parole.
Delbert Cornish previously confessed to killing his daughter Hope Cornish, who went by “Onyx.” He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to murder, and animal cruelty. Cornish ultimately agreed to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty.
WATCH: Delbert Cornish speaks in court
During the sentencing hearing, the state laid out its case, saying Delbert Cornish shot his daughter, Onyx, through the top of the head on the morning of Aug. 18. After the shooting, he sat in Onyx's presence as she gasped for air for approximately 20 minutes before she died. He later placed a pride flag over Onyx's body and shot the family cat, Sammy.
“We know that the defendant did not feel remorse,” Canyon County Senior Chief Deputy, Ingrid Batey, told the court. “We know that because he sat there and listened to Onyx gasp for breath for 20 minutes, never once calling for medical help as he watched her die.”
Prosecutors said Cornish later wrote a message on his daughter’s arm after her death that read, “I love you even if you didn’t love me.”
WATCH:
Emotional moments in the Canyon County courtroom
In the hours after the killing, Cornish watched TV and drank liquor for hours as he waited for his 15-year-old son Lucien to return home from school. When Lucien returned home, a conflict ensued, and the son was able to disarm his father, escape the house, and call 911.
The state argued that the defendant should spend life in prison without the possibility of parole.
RELATED | Onyx Cornish’s mom remembers her daughter’s kindness and close bond with family
Crystal Thompson, Onyx's mother, spoke with Idaho News 6 outside the courthouse following the sentencing.
“His comments that he should have put a bullet in me as well — I just learned about that a couple of days ago, and that was pretty heavy,” Thompson said. “I’m just glad we won’t have to worry about it anymore. He brought this on himself.”
During the hearing, Canyon County Deputy Prosecutor, Stephanie Morse, read a statement written by Lucian, who did not attend the sentencing for his emotional well-being.
“I wake up almost every day feeling like getting up is the hardest thing,” the statement read. “I can’t even go to school some days. Sometimes I have visions of my own father actually pulling the trigger.”
His attorney, Erik Ellis, countered that Delbert Cornish suffered from mental health and substance abuse issues during the time of the shooting. However, they admit there was no excuse for Delbert Cornish's actions. The defense added that Delbert Cornish would like to pen an apology letter to Lucien.
Addressing the court, Delbert Cornish expressed regret over his actions. "I apologize to LGBTQ community,” said Cornish, “ I wish my son was here, I wish I could apologize. Once I saw his eyes, I couldn’t do it. I hope I get to talk to him one day.”
At the conclusion of the hearing, Canyon County Judge, Gabriel McCarthy, sentenced Cornish to life in prison with no possibility of parole.
“He will remain there until he passes this earth,” Judge McCarthy said. “If there is a God, perhaps God will have mercy on his soul.”
Watch the entire sentencing hearing below —
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