A Pennsylvania judge has sentenced a man to two life prison terms without the possibility of parole for the 2021 killing of the pregnant daughter of former NFL linebacker Brandon Short.
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According to multiple reports, Isaac Smith was sentenced after being convicted in the fatal shooting of Karli Short, 26, and her unborn child. Karli Short was found with a gunshot wound to the head inside a McKeesport residence on Sept. 13, 2021. She was five months pregnant.
Authorities initially believed Smith was the father of the unborn child and alleged he killed Short because he feared the pregnancy would disrupt his life and relationship. However, prosecutors said a DNA test conducted before trial determined Smith was not the baby's father.
Smith was convicted last month of criminal homicide and homicide of an unborn child before receiving two consecutive life sentences without parole.
During sentencing, Brandon Short, who played linebacker in the NFL for the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers, addressed the court and reflected on his daughter's life.
According to reports, Short called Smith a "murdering coward" while remembering his daughter as someone who was excited to become a mother.
Brandon Short and Karli Short. (Photo credit: Facebook)
He also shared personal memories, describing Karli as a devoted Harry Potter fan whose favorite fairy was Tinkerbell, earning her the nickname "Tink."
Following Karli Short's death, her family established the Karli Short Better Tomorrow Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to student survivors of gun violence.
The family's mission statement says they are committed to ensuring Karli's legacy is remembered for her compassion and kindness rather than the violence that claimed her life.
