A Ford County judge has denied a convicted murderer's request to have his 17-year prison sentence overturned.

A motion filed (March 24) asked a Judge (Paul Lawrence) to reconsider the sentence given to 34-year-old Ryan A. Nibbe of Gibson City. Nibbe was convicted of second-degree murder in January in connection with the August 2013 beating death of 44-year-old Timothy Robertson of Gibson City.

The defense attorney called the sentence "excessive," and asked for no more than 10 years.

Nibbe will be required to serve at least half of his prison sentence.

State's Attorney Matt Fitton had argued for a 20-year sentence, noting Nibbe's extensive criminal history and that he continues to show no remorse.

94.1 WGFA