Man Who Beat Iraq War Veteran To Death With Hammer Sentenced

VICTORVILLE (AP) — A man who beat to death an Iraq War veteran with a hammer in an unprovoked attack will spend 81 years to life in prison.

The Victorville Daily Press says 46-year-old Johnny Acosta of Hesperia was sentenced Tuesday in San Bernardino County.

Acosta was convicted last week of first-degree murder for the 2009 death of Trevor Neiman.

The 25-year-old Neiman served three Marine tours in Iraq. Prosecutors say he was working as a cable television installer at a Victorville home when Acosta walked up behind him and bludgeoned him with a ball-peen hammer.

At trial, Acosta testified that he'd used methamphetamine that day and heard voices telling him to kill somebody.

Acosta was released from prison in 2004 after serving about 10 years for voluntary manslaughter and attempted rape.

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