A former Baltimore pastor who was convicted of killing a mentally disabled man for life insurance payouts worth $1.4-million was sentenced to life in prison plus 45 years, according to the Baltimore State's Attorney's Office.
Kevin Pushia, 35, pleaded guilty last year to seven counts of insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the 2009 shooting death of Lemuel Wallace, a 37-year-old group home resident who was legally blind.
He also claimed to have hired two men to carry out the hit for $50,000, leading to their arrest. Pushia's lover, James Clea, was accused of arranging the deal, while his brother Kareem Clea was charged with being the trigger man.
The brothers were acquitted last month after Pushia gave confusing and contradictory testimony during their trial. Pushia, who was sentenced Monday, faced a maximum of life plus 105 years.