Brown Sentenced to Life for Murdering Ryan Skipper

A man was sentenced to two life sentences Tuesday for killing a gay student in 2007.

William Brown (far right), 23, was first convicted to first-degree murder and robbery in the death of 25-year-old Ryan Skipper (near right), who was reportedly stabbed 19 times on the side of a road in Polk County, Fla. Prosecutors alleged that Brown targeted Skipper because he was gay.

According to News Channel 8 in Tampa, Brown showed no remorse at his sentencing, as he even laughed while being fingerprinted.

Skipper's mother and stepfather say they are dismayed by Brown's reaction to the sentencing, but they are focused on continuing their advocacy work.

"I hope we never have to sit in another courtroom again the rest of my life," Pat Mulder, Skipper's mother, said in the report. She added, "I feel that there are other Ryans out there, so we need to speak up for them."

Another defendant, Joseph Bearden, is serving a life sentence after being found guilty of second-degree murder.