WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A retired Palm Beach County deputy was sentenced to 13 years in state prison on Tuesday for shooting and killing his estranged son-in-law two years ago.
Carlton Nebergall was convicted of manslaughter in March for the February 2018 fatal shooting of Jacob Lodge.
Nebergall was charged with first-degree murder in Lodge's death, but jurors convicted him on a lesser charge during his second trial.
Judge Jeffrey Gillen on Tuesday sentenced Nebergall to 13 years in state prison, but gave him credit for 955 days that he's already served in the Palm Beach County jail.
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In a tearful and emotional address to Gillen, Nebergall said he believed his life was in danger during his encounter with Lodge, and he has to live with his son-in-law's death for the rest of his life.
"I am extremely remorseful and wish that this never happened," Nebergall said.
Following the sentencing, Gillen denied a request from Nebergall's son who had wanted to hug his father in court.
"I apologize for that, but life is difficult now for all of us on the planet," Gillen said, referring to COVID-19 and social distancing.
A mistrial was declared in Nebergall's first trial in December because a juror was caught using a cellphone while Nebergall's defense attorney was giving his closing arguments.
Defense attorney Michael Salnick had asked Gillen for a sentence that was less than the recommended sentencing guidelines, citing his client's 27-year law enforcement career with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
Salnick argued during trial that Nebergall shot Lodge in self-defense.