Austin — A musician in Austin has been sentenced to 32 years in prison over what prosecutors say was a drug-related slaying.
A judge on Monday sentenced 35-year-old Fred Ora Ridings III over the August 2008 killing of 37-year-old Ronnie Whited. A jury on Friday convicted Ridings of murder in the shooting.
Ridings, who plays guitar and upright bass, appeared with bands at clubs throughout Austin.
His mother, Virginia Ridings, testified that her son had memory loss and paranoia over the past decade after he had been in a car accident.
Defense attorney Kent Anschutz says Ridings is mentally ill.
Prosecutor Leslie Booker argued that Ridings is dangerous and had sought a 60-year prison term.
