GOSHEN, Ind. — An Ohio man sentenced in a beating death said the victim was kind and gentle and “a wonderful human being.”

        But Robert Harper, 32, of Cincinnati, said he killed because the victim wouldn't stop trying to start a romantic relationship with a roommate.

        Mr. Harper was sentenced Thursday to 65 years in prison, the maximum sentence allowed.

        “If I could sentence you to more, I would,” Elkhart Circuit Judge Terry Shewmaker told Harper.

        Mr. Harper was one of five people arrested in connection with the robbery and death of Chris Brown, 18, who was beaten Aug. 21 at his apartment on Goshen's west side.

        Mr. Harper told the judge he liked Brown. “ He was kind, he was sensitive and he seemed like a very gentle man,” Mr. Harper said.'

        Mr. Harper said he and several others decided to rob Mr. Brown to teach him a lesson for trying to force a romantic relationship with Amber K. Lace, 21, who also is charged with Brown's murder. Mr. Harper pleaded guilty Sept. 6 to murder while committing a felony.

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