A 32-year-old murder case ended with the suspect sentenced Tuesday morning to life in prison.

A Saunders County District judge sentenced Jeffrey Glazebrook to life for the rape and murder of 97-year-old Sadie May McReynolds in 1977. She died two weeks after the assault.

It was a long time coming, but Cloyd Boydston and cousin Connie Christiansen can finally rest.

“It's a nice victory I guess, it's too bad these things have to happen, but it's good that we have the system, that these things here come to closure, get settled and back to normal,” said Boydston, the victim’s step-grandson.

According to an affidavit, Glazebrook barged into McReynolds’ Ashland home and sexually assaulted her. She later died from her wounds and without ever identifying her attacker. Glazebrook was 17 at the time.

Prosecuting attorney Scott Tingelhoff says Glazebrook was originally a suspect, but it was not until DNA evidence became available that he could be convicted.

Tingelhoff feels the punishment is just. “These were his actions, his choices he made 30 years ago and he's finally having to pay those consequences.”

Glazebrook, who was already serving time for burglary and sexual assault, does have at least one supporter, his sister, who believes he is innocent.

“He has had things in the past that he has done that has been wrong and he has admitted to all of it, but he is not the stigma that's on him, he is a decent human being, he's is not the monster by any means because if he was I wouldn't support him and I do,” said Linda Hiatt.

Glazebrook's sister believes there will be an appeal and plans on visiting her brother soon. In 1977, the statues did not refer to parole, so prosecutor Tingelhoff doesn’t think there was any chance for parole.