George Huguely and Yeardley Love

25 years in prison for murder, plus one extra for stealing a laptop.

So goes the recommended sentence for former University of Virginia lacrosse player George Huguely of Chevy Chase, MD. It’s been two years since he was arrested and charged with the brutal beating and death of Cockeysville, MD native Yeardley Love.

George and Yeardley had a rocky, on-and-off relationship in the time leading to the murder. Friends of both students testified to previous altercations between the couple. The physical abuse had been occurring even before the night Huguely broke down Love’s apartment door and inflicted blunt force trauma to her head.

This case which has gained national attention has raised a heightened awareness in colleges and universities of the issue of domestic abuse, and has even had an effect on Virginia policy, making it easier for people in dating relationships to obtain restraining orders.

Jurors found Huguely of second-degree murder and grand larceny.He won’t likely leave prison until he is 50 years old.

Yeardley’s remaining family, her mother and her sister, are putting their efforts into the One Love Foundation to support “service, kindness, humility, and sportsmanship” in her honor.