By Sharon Coolidge
The Cincinnati Enquirer

A Green Township man who initially told authorities that an intruder killed his wife was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison for beating her to death.

Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Mark Schweikert sentenced Jeffrey Bruce, 46, to the maximum allowed by law on a charge of voluntary manslaughter.

"This is truly a tragedy," Schweikert said. "The injuries in this case are brutal. It was hand-to-hand, face-to-face conflict.

"Unfortunately," Schweikert added, "domestic violence is far too prevalent in society. This case reflects the worst result."

Bruce beat and strangled his wife, Kathryn, in their home the morning of Nov. 15.

Initially, Bruce said an intruder was to blame, but police said he later admitted to killing his wife.

Bruce's attorney, R. Scott Croswell III, argued that Kathryn Bruce started the fight.

"If this had gone to trial, the defense would have been self-defense," Croswell said. "His wife initiated the violence; and as a result of struggling with her, (Bruce) took her life."

Bruce has two children ages 18 and 20. Their mother died when they were young. Kathryn Bruce was their stepmother, according to court testimony.

"I know Jeff and Kathy," said Bruce's sister, Janet Vasko. "He was protecting himself and his children."

She urged Schweikert to impose a light sentence, saying his kids needed Bruce at home.

"I'm very sorry for what I did," Bruce said. "I loved my wife very much. I still do. I still have nightmares about it."

Kathryn Bruce's parents are dead, but friends who worked with her at the Legal Aid Society spoke on her behalf.

They called her vibrant and caring.

"The room lit up when she was in it," said Rhonda King, a friend and co-worker.

Sally Winston-Norris, another friend and co-worker, told the judge Bruce had no remorse.

"After the plea (April 15) I talked to him in the hall," Winston-Norris said. "I needed to know why. I was struck by his lack of remorse. This is the first time there has been any pretense about taking Kat's life."

Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor Michael Bachman said, "This case calls for the maximum sentence."

E-mail scoolidge@enquirer.com